Radio

Focus on the Liturgy

Focus on the Liturgy

Fourth Wednesday Monthly: 8 – 9 a.m.
WNDZ 750 AM

Focus on the Liturgy brings the mission of developing and deepening the liturgical life of Archdiocese parishes and institutions to the airwaves. The program is co-hosted by Todd Williamson, director of the Office for Divine Worship, and Timothy Johnston, editor and liturgy training consultant at Liturgy Training Publications.

Liturgy of the Hours

Friday, August 28, 2015
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the Liturgy of the Hours. The daily prayer of the church for all Catholics, the Liturgy of the Hours is a rich prayer, steeped in the Psalms, which orders our days. The Second Vatican Council sought a renewal of the Liturgy of the Hours, which to this day still needs to be realized!

Summer Ordinary Time

Wednesday, July 22, 2015
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time during Summer. They also discuss brand new books from Liturgy Training Publications (LTP), an agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Pope's Encyclical on the Environment

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
During this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe (Liturgy Training Publications) and Todd Williamson (Office for Divine Worship) discuss the Pope's encyclical on the environment through the lens of cosmic liturgy.

Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time

Friday, May 29, 2015
During this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe (Liturgy Training Publications) and Todd Williamson (Office for Divine Worship) discuss the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. They break open the liturgies and the Feasts that help us mark the passing of these summer months. They also discuss a number of special liturgies that will be celebrated this summer in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Cardinal Francis George

Wednesday, April 22, 2015
This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy reflects on Cardinal Francis George following his death.

FROM ASHES TO THE FONT

Friday, February 27, 2015
In this Broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the great season of Lent. They spend time talking about the theology and spirituality of the season. There is a special discussion of the Stations of the Cross in the second half of the show: Guest Michael Ruzicki will joins them in the studio to talk about his new edition of the Stations, "A Light for My Path," published by LTP.

Liturgical Music

Wednesday, January 28, 2015
In this Broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson are joined by guests Michael Ruzicki (from Liturgy Training Publications) and Wendy Silhavy (From the Office for Divine Worship) to discuss the topic of Liturgical Music. Michael is Music Director at Notre Dame de Chicago, and Wendy is Director of Liturgies and Music at ODW. They explore the role of Liturgical Music and Music Ministry in the liturgical life of the Church.

Liturgical Season of Advent

Wednesday, December 24, 2014
This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy airs on the Morning of December 24, Christmas Eve. It's the perfect time for hosts Todd Williamson (ODW) and Dannielle Noe (LTP) to discuss the Liturgical Season of Christmas! They break open the structure of the Season, highlighting the 3 "moments" of the Nativity (Christmas), the Solemnity of Epiphany and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which closes out the season. They also explore the symbols of the season and the various Rites and rituals that mark the Christmas season.

The Great Season of Advent

Friday, November 28, 2014
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson talk about the great season of Advent. Among other things they discuss the theology of the Season and how that plays out in the Liturgies and Rites of Advent.

Late Ordinary Time

Wednesday, October 22, 2014
In these final week of the Liturgical Year, the October broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy deals with late Ordinary Time. Co-hosts Todd Williamson and Danielle Noe discuss the liturgies of this season and spend a good deal of time exploring the great feasts of the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls).

Archbishop Installation Liturgy

Wednesday, September 24, 2014
In this episode of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the Installation Liturgy of Archbishop Blase Cupich, scheduled for November 18th of this year. They break open and explore the Rite of Reception of the Bishop, and other aspects of this special Liturgy. They also talk about the Revised Rite of Celebrating Marriage, which is awaiting Approval in Rome.

The Rite of Peace

Friday, August 29, 2014
On this month's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson talk about the Rite of Peace which is a part of every celebration of the Eucharist. The Congregation for Divine Worship recently called for a greater understanding of the Rite of Peace and so Danielle and Todd explore this rite, its theological principles and its implications for how we are to live as Disciples of Christ.

The Sacramental Life of the Church

Wednesday, July 23, 2014
In this broadcast of "Focus on the Liturgy", co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the sacramental life of the Church. They also explore The Year of the Sacraments - the fourth year of the Archdiocesan five- year Strategic Pastoral Plan.

A School of Discipleship

Wednesday, June 25, 2014
In June's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the season of Ordinary Time and some of the Solemnities and feasts that mark the Summer portion of Ordinary Time. In the second half of the show, they explore the whole idea of the Liturgy as a School of Discipleship.

The Great 50 Days

Wednesday, May 28, 2014
In these last days of the Easter Season, Focus on the Liturgy Co-Hosts Danielle Knott (from LTP) and Todd Williamson (from ODW) discuss the Great 50 Days. In doing so they explore the culminating Solemnities of the season: Ascension and Pentecost, discussing their significance, their texts and the liturgies by which we celebrate them.

Liturgical Significance of Easter

Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Office for Diving Worship Director Todd Williamson is joined by Vicky Tufano, Liturgical Consultant and Senior Editor of Liturgy Training Publications, for a lively discussion of the liturgical significance of the Easter Season.

Lenten Rites and Liturgies

Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Program hosts Todd Williamson and Danielle Knott talk about Lenten rites and liturgies with Vicky Tufano, Liturgical Consultant and Senior Editor of Liturgy Training Publications. The discussion focuses on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and its significance during Lent.

The Great Season of Lent!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) talk about the Great Season of Lent! They discuss a bit of the history of the season, and spend a good amount of time talking about the real purpose of Lent: To prepare us to renew our baptism at Easter! Along the way they talk the Scriptures of the Season and much of the spirituality and theology of what the Church calls, "this joyful season of Lent!!"

The Season of Ordinary Time

Wednesday, January 22, 2014
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time. This year Ordinary Time in winter is 8 weeks. As part of their discussion, Danielle and Todd look at the Liturgy of the Hours as a "The Prayer of the Church."

Christmas and the Christmas Season

Wednesday, December 25, 2013
This month's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy was recorded for Christmas Day...so it seemed rather obvious what the topic would be!! So, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss Christmas and the Christmas Season. They explore the Feasts, traditions and celebrations that help us to mark this glorious season of the Incarnation!

The Liturgical Year and It's Renewal

Friday, November 29, 2013
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the Liturgical Year and its renewal, stemming from the promulgation of The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. December 4, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of The Constitution. In addition, Danielle and Todd discuss the upcoming season of Advent, which begins a new Liturgical Year.

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy-part 3

Wednesday, October 23, 2013
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson continue their discussions on the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. The Constitution noted that "The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly" during the Liturgy (no. 51). This month, Danielle and Todd explore the this call for the renewal of the Role of Scripture in the Liturgy.

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy-part 2

Wednesday, September 25, 2013
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Co-Hosts Danielle Knott, of Liturgy Training Publications, and Todd Williamson of the Office for Divine Worship continue a discussion on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the first document to come from the Second Vatican Council. This coming December 4th marks the 50th anniversary of that document's promulgation and Focus on the Liturgy is taking a look at some of the main governing principles from that historic document. In this show, Todd and Danielle discuss the principle of "Full, active and conscious participation" in the liturgy; a principle, the Constitution says should be considered before all else in the renewal of the Church's liturgical life (no. 14 in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy).

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

Friday, August 30, 2013
On December 4, 2014, the Church will mark the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the very first document that came out of the Second Vatican Council. This was the document that called for the renewal of the whole liturgical life of the Church. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson begin discussing this foundational liturgical document. Be sure to stay tuned, as future shows of Focus on the Liturgy will continue to break open various aspects of the Constitution!

Liturgical Potpourri

Wednesday, July 24, 2013
It's a potpourri of topics in this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy. Co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson talk briefly about Ordinary Time; they explore the Catholic Funeral Rites and the upcoming revisions of The Order of Celebrating Marriage and the Rite of Confirmation and they look at new liturgical resources from Liturgy Training Publications.

Wedding Season

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
With the "Wedding Season" upon us - and the fact that co-host Danielle Knott recently got engaged!! - June's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy explores the Rite of Marriage. Danielle and Todd Williamson discuss the theology of the Rite, it's symbols and ritual signs. Join them as they break open the texts and other elements of this Sacramental Celebration!

Ordinary Time

Wednesday, May 29, 2013
In this month's Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time. The longest season in the Liturgical Year, Ordinary Time gives the opportunity to discover the extraordinary presence and action of God in our lives. Danielle and Todd also discuss the closing of the Year of Sunday Mass and the world-wide Eucharistic Adoration on June 2 in observance of the Year of Faith.

50-Feast of Easter

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
In this month's show, Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the great, 50-Feast of Easter. As a season in which we are called to live with Baptism renewed, the observance of Easter is truly an experience of Mystagogy (listen to learn more about this ancient art in the Church!). In addition they discuss the readings and texts of the Season as well as some of the key Easter symbols!

Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
This month on Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum - the great days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. They explore the central Liturgies for each of these days, noting how all of them call us to "Glory in the Cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ" (Entrance antiphon for the Mass of the Lord's Supper).

Electing a new Pope and the great season of Lent

Friday, February 22, 2013
In this month's Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson talk about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the interregnum and Conclave that will elect a new Pope. In addition, they discuss the great season of Lent and the liturgies that accompany our journey to the Font, where we will baptize the elect and renew our own baptisms this Easter!

Ordinary Time and the Great Season of Lent

Wednesday, January 23, 2013
This year, the season of Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent is very short - just one month long. This is unusual, as this section of Ordinary Time is usually closer to 7 or 8 weeks in length. In this month's Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss this aspect of the season, why it's so short, and what it calls us to as a preparation for the Great Season of Lent, which begins just 3 weeks from the airing of this show!

The Nativity

Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The day after Christmas, Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the great season of the Nativity! Looking at the movement of the season, from Christmas Day, to the high point of the Epiphany and through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Danielle and Todd explore the symbols, the theology and the spirituality of the Season of Christmas.

Advent

Wednesday, November 28, 2012
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the Year of Faith, the Year of Sunday and Mass and the new Liturgical Year that begins this weekend. As we prepare for the great season of Advent, Danielle and Todd explore the liturgies, devotions and observances that mark the season. From its eschatological elements to the Advent Wreath to the Christmas Novenas, it's the Advent show!

The 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council

Wednesday, October 24, 2012
October 11 marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, arguably the most significant event in the life of the Church in the modern era! Co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the spirit and work of the Second Vatican Council.

The Sacramental Sense

Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The show for September takes up a very fundamental topic in regard to the Liturgy: The sacramental sense with which Catholics view and understand life and the world. Co-hosts Danielle Knott, from Liturgy Training Publications, and Todd Williamson, from the Office for Divine Worship, discuss this sacramental sense, and how it governs a Catholic understanding of the world and God's action in it (i.e., that God is not distant to us, but rather is intimately engaged with His creation). God breaks into our world and our own personal experience in so many ways and through so many means (family, relationships, nature); this is sacramental, and it is the context for our understanding of Liturgy - one of the primary means through which the Father, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, encounters us and saves us.

Chicago Series in Liturgical Music

Wednesday, August 22, 2012
In this episode of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson talk about a brand new opportunity for Liturgical Musicians in the Chicago area. The new Chicago Series in Liturgical Music, an 18-month course of study, will begin in September, co-sponsored by the Office of Divine Worship (Archdiocese of Chicago) and the Rensselaer Program of Church Music and Liturgy (St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana). Anna Belle O'Shea, from ODW, and Steve Janco, Director of the Rensselaer Program, join Todd and Danielle to discuss this exciting new series.

Ordinary Time in Summer

Wednesday, July 25, 2012
This month, on Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives as Catholics; we look at the current Liturgical Season - Ordinary Time in Summer, and we spend time looking at the Bread of Life Discourse from John's Gospel, which will mark the next 5 weeks of our Liturgical Lives!

Year of Sunday Mass

Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Archdiocese of Chicago is about to enter the second year of 5-year Strategic Pastoral Plan. Each of these 5 years focuses on a particular aspect of parish life; for example, the first year was dedicated to Teens and Young Adults. The second year, which goes from July 2012 - June 2013, is dedicated to Sunday Mass. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the Year of Sunday Mass, and highlight a specific resource for any Catholic interested in deepening their awareness and appreciation for Sunday Mass: Blessed John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Dies Domini.

Ordinary Time

Wednesday, May 30, 2012
In this months Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) explore the season of Ordinary Time. Primarily looking at the Summer portion of this liturgical season, Danielle and Todd discuss upcoming solemnities and other liturgical observations, highlighting the liturgies and rituals by which we as Catholics mark the passing of time.

Easter Season

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
On this month's broadcast, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson focus on the Easter Season. They discuss the overall theology of the season and then explore how that theology is made evident in the liturgies of Easter. They look at the unique quality of the Liturgy of the Word and they discuss the special Solemnities and feasts that help mark this 50-day celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ.

Holy Week

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
In this month's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss Holy Week. Listen as they explore the many Liturgies that mark this most important week in the lives of Catholics: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, the Chrism Mass at Holy Name Cathedral (at which all of the Holy Oils used in the Archdiocese of Chicago are blessed and consecrated by the Cardinal), and of course, the great days that mark the Triduum - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

The Season of Lent

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
This month on Focus on the Liturgy, the show airs on Ash Wednesday (how perfect for the Liturgy Geeks!). So - Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson discuss not only Ash Wednesday, but also the whole season of Lent, exploring the Rites and the practices that help us to prepare to renew our Baptism at Easter!

The Liturgical Year

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the Liturgical Year, exploring various aspects of how we Catholics mark the passing of time. Answering the question, “Around what do you order your time,” Danielle and Todd look at the seasons of the Liturgical Year, the cycle of feasts and solemnities that celebrate the saints and martyrs, and our Catholic sense of sacred time.

Roman Missal and Christmas Season

Wednesday, December 28, 2011
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott (from Liturgy Training Publications) and Todd Williamson (from the Office for Divine Worship) spend the first half of the show looking back at the first month of using the revised Mass texts. They talk about not only how the transition has been going, but also remind listeners to continue exploring the new texts as a means of coming to a deeper understanding of the Liturgy. During the second half of the show, Danielle and Todd discuss the Christmas Season and it’s many symbols and customs, breaking open the theology and spirituality of the season.

Days Before Implementation

Wednesday, November 23, 2011
In this final broadcast before the implementation of the third edition of the Roman Missal (November 26/27), co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) review numerous aspects of the English translation. For the last year, Danielle and Todd have devoted at least some part of each show to this momentous event in the life of the U.S. Church. This show re-visits many of the issues and topics that have been discussed over the past year of preparing for the Roman Missal.

Third Edition of the Roman Missal

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss a number of liturgical matters: in the first half of the show, the topic of Communion under both species is addressed, stressing how the norm in the Archdiocese of Chicago (and in most of the dioceses in our region) is to offer both the Body and the precious blood of the Lord at Mass. The second half of the show addressed various issues related to the upcoming English translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. This show was originally broadcast just one month before the implementation date for the Missal!

Third Edition of the Roman Missal

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Less than 2 months before the implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy addresses a number of topics surrounding the English translation. Co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson talk about what parishes should be doing at this point in time in preparation for the Third Edition; Archdiocesan Workshops that are being offered for any interested Catholic; LTP's version of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, and how parishes might incorporate a blessing for the new Missal in their Sunday Mass.

Liturgical Season of Ordinary Time

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
In this edition of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Knot and Todd Williamson discuss the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. Looking at the structure of the season they delve into the readings and texts that mark this last season of the liturgical year

Third Edition of the Roman Missal and Ordination Liturgy

Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In this edition of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Knot and Todd Williamson spend the first part of the show discussing the USCCB's recent decision to allow each bishop to give permission in his diocese for parishes to begin in September using the sung versions of the new Gloria, Sanctus and Memorial acclamations, in preparation for the coming English translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. In the second half of the show, they discuss the coming Ordination Liturgy for the two new Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Ordination Liturgy is scheduled for August 10, 2011.

Music in the Third Edition of the Roman Missal

Wednesday, June 22, 2011
In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Todd Williamson and Anna Belle O'shea, both from the Office for Divine Worship, explore some examples of the music settings for the English translation of the 3rd Ed. Of the Roman Missal. Anna Belle and Todd discuss the role of music in the liturgy and listen to settings of the Gloria, the Sanctus and examples of the Memorial Acclamation.
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