In anticipation of Catholic Charities 20th Annual D’Vine Affair, set for January 31, 2021, people throughout Chicagoland are scheduling Virtual Wine-Tasting Parties this fall, courtesy of Louis Glunz Wines, Inc. These are fantastic kickoff events that allow friends and families to have wonderful virtual celebrations while supporting our four Self-Sufficiency programs at the same time. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Carla Gutierrez to discuss the Lake County Family Self-Sufficiency Program and how funds from these virtual events are especially important this year

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Gloria Purvis, co-host of EWTN Radio's Morning Glory Show, is calling on peole of all faiths -- and especially Catholics -- to confront the sin of racism in the aftermath of George Floyd's death. Segment II: State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, discusses the efforts of the Illinois Legislature's Black Caucus to craft comprehensive legislation targeting systemic racism slated to be unveiled during the six-day fall veto session set for late November and early December. Segment III: Sr. Stephanie Baliga, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist of Chicago who ministers from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago,ran a marathon on a treadmill in late August to raise funds for the Mission. Segment IV: Molly Perry, Aid for Women board member, talks about the organization's virtual annual benefit dinner on October 7 featuring retired Super-Bowl champion Benjamin Watson as the keynote speaker.

St. Francis de Sales High Schools welcomes a new principal and CEO on Catholic Schools Today. The Voice of Charity highlights pop-up food pantries. And we hear from a missionary who serves in Jamaica on Mission Matters.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 20, 1-16A, del domingo, 20 de septiembre de 2020. Viernes, 18 de septiembre de 2020

Megan speaks with Fr. Colin King, a Franciscan Friar on mission in the Diocese of Montego Bay in Jamaica. Fr. Colin is a pastor of two parishes and recently was named vicar of education for this rural diocese as well. He describes life in the Caribbean, and how COVID-19 has affected the local communities. He shares some of the ongoing ministry and social service needs. Megan inquires about what it means to be a Franciscan missionary. How does the life of St. Francis inform being a missionary disciple?

Joe and Siobhan Haugh are a lovely couple that we interviewed back in February, just as news of the virus spreading throughout China was hitting the world. Similar to our current pandemic, our interview with the Haughs also taught us that ultimately, we are not in control. The greater flexibility we can have in the plans we make, the more successful we can be in our relationships. While Joe and Sibohan recognized the need in their busy lives to prioritize finding time to be together, their involvement in their parish and communities also highlighted the mutual benefits that flow from having a positive impact on more than just one another.

On the Way focused on hospitality and how we can live this crucial aspect of our faith out during the pandemic precautions. Hospitality is even more important now as people are left without usual connections to communities and relationships. The stress and fatigue of the pandemic, particularly for those in at risk communities and working in front line fields, invite us to reconsider how to be hospitable. The first guest to join host Jenn Delvaux is Jane Angha, Director of Ministry Blueprints, a company that teaches, trains and equips people, parishes and teams in hospitality, welcome and innovation. The discussion explores the foundations of hospitality and the need for it in the unique circumstances we are in now. The second guest is Kathy McNichols, the Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at Incarnation Parish in Crestwood. With examples from Kathy’s parish and Jane’s ministry, creative ways to live your call to hospitality are shared.

In recent years, Pop-Up stores have become a smart and effective way to market goods and services. This year, Catholic Charities administrators have used this concept, and worked with our parish partners to assist those who have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Marilu Gonzalez and Dominic Fejer to discuss how Pop-Up Food Pantries have helped thousands of people provide food for their families during COVID-19.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I; Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update about Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. Segment II: St. Francis de Sales High School's New Principal/CEO. Guest: Roni Facen. Segment III: Immaculate Conception School Goes Back to School. Guests: Sr. Claudia Carrillo; Silvia Gonzalez.

Catholic Charities Post Adoption Services helps people from all over the country learn more about their ancestry. The Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago sponsor an annual sunrise prayer service to pray for the end to the violence in our neighborhoods and the protection of our children as a new school begins. And the Illinois chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is sponsoring a virtual lecture series called Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 18, 21-35, del domingo, 13 de septiembre de 2020. Viernes, 11 de septiembre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: "No Ways Tired" is a drive-in parking lot prayer service, sponsored by the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago. Every year the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago hold a sunrise prayer service to pray for the end to the violence in our neighborhoods and the protection of our children as a new school year begins. This year with the Covid-19 pandemic, the prayer service will be held in the parking lot of St. Katharine Drexel parish. Guests: Deacon LeRoy Gill; Deacon William Pouncy. Segment II: The Illinois chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is sponsoring a virtual lecture series called Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration. The first virtual event will take place at Holy Name Cathedral on October 1st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Guests: Anne Shea; Fr. Lou Cameli.

From 1881-1972, St. Vincent’s Orphanage provided assistance to thousands of women, children and adoptive families out of 721 N LaSalle Street in Chicago. Today, that same building is Catholic Charities headquarters, where life-affirming work continues on a nonstop basis. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Lisa Francis and Maureen Roche to discuss Catholic Charities Post Adoption Services that helps people from all of the country learn more about their ancestry, and their time at St. Vincent’s.

Sr. Helen Prejean, best known for her 1993 memoir Dead Man Walking, talks about her latest book, River of Fire. Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS support services and the 2020 AIDS Run & Walk, Chicago are discussed on the Voice of Charity. Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations Director, Fr. Timothy Monahan is a guest on Dare to Love. And the deacons discuss Charismatic prayer on Diakonia.

Fr. Timothy Monahan, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides some updates on seminarians in initial formation and shares helpful tips for those recognizing a call from God and how to invite and encourage them. For more information and for upcoming events, visit Fr. Timothy Monahan, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides some updates on seminarians in initial formation and shares helpful tips for those recognizing a call from God and how to invite and encourage them. For more information and for upcoming events, visit www.chicagopriest.com

The September 3, 2020 broadcast has co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discussing charismatic prayer with Deacon Lou and Ann Riccio. The Riccios have been part of the charismatic movement for many years. They share the wisdom, the experiences and the blessings they have received in connection with prayer submitted to and wholly guided by the Holy Spirit. This is a terrific introduction to the Catholic understanding of charismatic prayer. A wealth of resources is also available at the Archdiocese’s Charismatic Renewal website--http://chicagorenewal.org/.

Dawn and Ray continue their discussion of St. JPII's Theology of the Body by unpacking a part of our anthropology known as "Original Man." Halfway through the hour, they welcome Mark Goebel, from the office of Human Dignity and Solidarity to discuss Immigration Ministries and an upcoming fundraiser. And during the last segment, they preview the Respect Life Program and its theme, "Living the Gospel of Life," that will be introduced to our parishes in October.

Catholic Charities has been helping clients with HIV/AIDS since the 1980s. We now know much more about this disease that attacks a person’s auto-immune system, but it continues to be a very serious struggle for all those affected by it. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Pat Drott and one of our clients to discuss Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS support services and the 2020 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Medard Laz, a prolific author now living in Florida, talks about his website, Treats for the Soul, and his latest book, The Gathering: Jesus and Abortion, A Story for Our Time. Segment II: Well-known author Sr. Helen Prejean discusses her latest book, River of Fire, in which she writes about how Vatican II changed life for many in religious orders. Sr. Helen Prejean is best known for her 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, about her role as a spiritual adviser to a convicted killer on death row.

Sr. Stephanie Baliga talks about her treadmill marathon to raise funds for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park. The disproportionate rate of Covid-19 infections in the Latinx and Black communities is discussed on the Voice of Charity. We hear uplifting music from the St. Agatha Contemporary Gospel Choir. And we learn about an organization called Unlocking Communities, a group that equips entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 16, 21-27, del domingo, 30 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 28 de agosto de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The St. Agatha Gospel Choir has a New Contemporary Gospel CD, "It's Over, It's Alright." Guests: Fr. Larry Dowling; Dennis Smith. Segment II: Josh Goralski heads up an organization called Unlocking Communities. From that group's website: "We equip entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities."

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) return to a periodic look at a particular part of the Church’s liturgy. Here they spend the hour exploring the Liturgy of the Word. They look at the theology and spirituality of the Liturgy of Word, its role, its purpose and the image of it being a “dialogue between God and his people” (Saint John Paul II).

In Lake County, a disproportionate number of Latinx and Black residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Cary Rositas-Sheftel and Cynthia Vargas to discuss how community partners in Lake County are working together on innovative projects to address this critical matter, and educate people on how they can help stop the spread of the virus.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Stephanie Baliga is one of the very dedicated Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago who can be found helping people in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood through the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels. On August 23, Sr. Stephanie ran an entire marathon...on a treadmill. The former long-distance runner at the University of Illinois now runs for God, and she was raising funds for the Mission. Segment II: As Catholic schools reopen for the new school year, social and emotional learning has become a focus. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Guests: Yesenia Maldonado; Rana Brizgys; Jonna Koenitzer

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan talks with Matt Dietrich with the Illinois State Board of Elections about “vote-by-mail”. We hear about how regional food pantries are faring during the Covid-19 pandemic on the Voice of Charity. And Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandra Labouvie return from hiatus to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has adjusted our priorities on Built on the Rock.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 16, 13-20, del domingo, 23 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 21 de agosto de 2020

Megan Mio, Coordinator in the Mission Office, talks with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Trevor Alexander, Senior Pastor of True Vine Church and Protestant Chaplain at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. They discuss two forms of division: the separation of Christian churches and the reality of racism. Bishop Trevor speaks about his ecumenical ministry at the University and his passion for global mission. Noting that racism impacts our faith and daily lives, he also reflects on how to struggle with the sin of racism.

In recent months, we have found ourselves living through an unfamilair reality that seems to have settled in far longer than any of us could ever have expected. In this episode, Fr. Britto and Sandra encourage listeners to be intentional about employing some of the positive lessons learnt during this difficult time. Rather than focusing on returning to what we once were, let us return to what we should have been all along.

On the Way focuses on two books by two different authors to help us grow as individuals and as communities of disciples. We cannot give what we do not have and continuing to grow in our relationship with Jesus is a focus of this show. The first guest who joins Beth White, is Joshua Danis, the National Director of Alpha in the Catholic Context. Josh has written a book, “Living the Fruit of the Spirit: How God’s Grace Can Transform Your World,” out of his experience of having people encounter Jesus. Written prior to the pandemic, this book, which is available through Word Among Us Press, focuses on the ways in which we can grow in the fruits of the spirit so that we can attract and witness to the Gospel with our lives. By reflecting on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we can all grow in these fruits throughout our journey. To get your copy of the book visit The Word Among Us. Our second guest is Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Robin, who has taught Christology for years, has developed a book to help readers connect head knowledge of Jesus with heart knowledge. His newest book, “Gazing on His Face: A Christ-Centered Spirituality,” will be available through Paulist Press later this fall. The book starts with reflecting on our friendship with Christ and uses different titles of Christ to help us get to know who Jesus is in Scripture, Tradition, and in our own lives. While waiting for his newest book, you may consider a more dense, but timely book, “God and the Mystery of Human Suffering: A Theological Conversation Across the Ages..”

Catholic Charities recently released updated statistics showing, among other things that our nine food pantries are currently serving an average of 1400 households per week. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Mike Waters and Claudia Andrade to discuss how Catholic Charities regional offices are creatively working with staff, volunteers, parishes and food vendors to ensure that these increased needs are met, while following all COVID-19 safety protocols.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dr. Michael Boyle, new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Joliet diocese, talks about his new role. Segment II: Matt Dietrich, spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections, talks about vote-by-mail for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Segment III: Tony Cube of the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants Campaign talks about the federal government's recent changes to DACA after losing an effort to rescind the program following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Segment IV: Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of the Hallow Catholic meditation and prayer app, talks about the origin of the app and how it just reached the status of #1 Catholic app.

Sally Blount recently assumed the role of President and CEO of Catholic Charities. She visited with Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on the Voice of Charity radio program. Two newly appointed bishops were guests on our Catholic Chicago program. First up was the new bishop of Peoria, Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka who talked with Fr. Greg Sakowicz, Rector of Holy Name Cathedral. Next, Fr. Greg talked with the newly-installed bishop of Belleville, Michael McGovern.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 15, 21-28, del domingo, 16 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 14 de agosto de 2020

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The Pope has been busy appointing a few of our great priests here in the Archdiocese of Chicago to lead dioceses across the state of Illinois. Segment I: Fr. Louis Tylka is the new Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria. Segment II: Fr. Michael McGovern has become the bishop of Belleville.

We speak with Kevin Foy and Deborah Breakey from the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation about re-opening guidelines of religious education and youth ministry and the new religious education pilot. We hear about how people in parishes can support their religious education programs in this time of unprecedented need for volunteers at every level.

Sally Blount has assumed the role of President and CEO of Catholic Charities, as of August 1st. In announcing her appointment last April, Cardinal Blasé Cupich said, “With her organizational and leadership expertise, profound faith and strong commitment to social justice, she is the ideal person to lead Catholic Charities at this exciting and challenging time.” Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sally to the Voice of Charity and learn what Sally’s initial insights are, about Catholic Charities and her new position.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi hear about a groundbreaking Catholic video game on Catholic Chicago. Fr. Lou Cameli, Cardinal Cupich’s delegate for Christian Formation and Mission, talks about coping spiritually with the pandemic, social unrest, and violence in our neighborhoods. And Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy talk with an old friend about an event that celebrates the legacy of Francis Cardinal George.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 14, 22-33, del domingo, 7 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 7 de agosto de 2020

Listen to the vocation journey stories of Sr. Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJ (www.csjoseph.org) and Sr. Maria Victoria Cutaia, OSB (www.benedictinesisters.org). Learn about the particular gifts their respective congregations offer to the people of God and how your particular gifts as someone seeking to respond to God’s call might match theirs or other congregations. Visit www.vocationmatch.com now!

The August 6, 2020 broadcast brings Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic speaking again with Jonn Blazey and Deacon Peter Letourneau about the work of Emmaus Ministries. This is a second show exploring Emmaus, where we look at both the ecumenical faith dimension of the work and how vitally the ministry enacts all of spiritual and corporal works of mercy. This ministry, started over thirty years ago by Chicago Deacon John Green, is a ministry of presence and accompaniment to men, typically young men, who are exploited sexually. In a difficult conversation about reaching out, companioning, as well as leading men to a better lifestyle, both Jonn and Peter reflect on how even the most outcast bear the image of Christ. The discussion includes looking at who these young men are, why they are doing what they are doing and what hope there might be for them. More information about Emmaus Ministries can be found at www.streets.org.

On Today’s Fully Alive, Dawn welcomes Ray Pingoy as co-host and the two of them share a history of the Life of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II. This is the introduction to an unpacking of Theology of the Body, which will air in future broadcasts. In the second half of the show, they transition from St John Paul II to a discussion of the Chastity Education Initiative of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which was the inspiration of Francis Cardinal George, former Archbishop of Chicago. Dawn and Ray interview MaryLouise Hengesbaugh, former Respect Life Director under Cardinal George, and co-founder of the Chastity Education Initiative. MaryLouise discusses the upcoming “Celebration of the Life of Francis Cardinal George” which will happen virtually on Tuesday August 11th at 7PM to benefit his legacy – the Chasity Education Initiative. More information and registration for the event is available here: https://pvm.archchicago.org/celebrating-cardinal-george

Catholic Charities is proud to collaborate with The Chicago Help Initiative, formerly known as HELP (Help Ease Local Poverty) to provide assistance to anyone in need. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jacqueline Hayes, CHI Founder, and Doug Fraser, CHI Executive Director to discuss how our agencies have been working together for the past twenty years to fulfill urgent needs of destitute individuals, and offer programs and services that can lead them to a brighter future.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Joellyn Cicciarelli, the President and Publisher of Loyola Press, talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about Wanderlight, a groundbreaking Catholic video game. Segment II: Fr. Lou Cameli, the Cardinal's Delegate for Christian Formation and Mission, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to discuss coping spiritually with the pandemic, social unrest, and violence in our neighborhoods.

Non-Violence Works discuss promoting peace in our neighborhoods on Catholic Chicago. The Voice of Charity looks to raise awareness of domestic violence with Fr. Charles Dahm and Deborah Hammond on the Voice of Charity. Award-winning author and speaker Amy “AJ” Cattapan talks with Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi about staying busy during the Covid-19 pandemic. And Fr. Greg and Mark wrap up the week with a conversation with ACTA Publications publisher, Greg Pierce.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 14, 13-21, del domingo, 2 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 31 de julio de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Award-winning author and speaker Amy "A.J." Cattapan talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about what's keeping her busy during the COVID-19 pandemic…from helping to organize a retreat to working on another book. Segment II: Greg Pierce, publisher of ACTA Publications in Chicago, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about his blog and specifically disinvestment in minority communities.

Domestic Violence is a difficult, but very important topic to discuss. Catholic Charites works with closely with the Archdiocese of Chicago to ensure that resources are available at all times for victims in need of safety, counseling, and assistance once they flee a dangerous situation. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Fr. Charles Dahm and Deborah Hammond who will share details about the extensive work they have done, in parishes and throughout the area to increase greater awareness about Domestic Violence and assist victims.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Representatives of Non-Violence Works discuss the principles and practices of non-violence as a skill to help reduce violence in Chicago. Guests: Philip Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: Fr. Dom Grassi joins Fr. Greg and Mark to discuss his blog on COVID-19, his latest mystery, and life in general.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois director Bob Gilligan leads a discussion about the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the Trump administration’s decision to end the DACA program. The Voice of Charity talks about Catholic Charities Health Fairs and the free health services they offer to vulnerable populations Health protocols and spiritual connections are explored on Focus on the Liturgy And Catholic Chicago co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi bid farewell to Brother Michael Segvich.