On the Way

On the Way focuses on how to make the most out of Advent this year. Co-hosts, Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, are joined by Fr. Sammie Maletta, Pastor, and Kahlil Hattar and Louie Cain, Pastoral Associates, from St. John the Evangelist Parish in St. John, Indiana. They share how they intentionally use Advent as a time to prepare for receiving guests at Christmas by encouraging parishioners to see themselves as hosts, the ones who receive the guests. Their goal is for everyone who worships with them to feel “loved on” from the time they arrive on their campus to when they leave, hoping to give them a reason to return. They share concrete, practical ways that all of us can be welcoming. On the second half of the show, author and Managing Editor at Loyola Press in Chicago, Vinita Hampton Wright discusses Advent and how to prepare our hearts for the joy that the season brings. She shares excerpts from her newly published book, “Small Simple Ways,” a daily prayer resource and her online Advent retreat by the same name available on www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent starting the first Monday of Advent.

As we prepare for the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, this month radio co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux tackle some interesting subjects. Fr. Richard Fragomeni, Professor of Liturgy and Preaching at Catholic Theologian Union, and Fr. Bill Vollmer, Associate Pastor at Holy Name Cathedral, join us to discuss the Catholic understanding of death, dying, and eternal life. We also explore ways in which bereavement ministries in parishes and the funeral liturgy can be opportunities to be Christ to those who are grieving and help them connect with the community during the time of loss.

On this episode of On the Way, co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux take a look at upcoming archdiocesan events. Chelsea Piper, from the Young Adult Ministry Office at the Arch, and Nancy Holpuch, the Youth Minister at St. Edna Parish, discuss Holy Fire and the ways in which this event brings young participants closer to God. Fr. Timothy O’Malley joins us for the last half hour to discuss his ministry that is a 2019 Noche de Gala award winner. Fr. Tim is the Spiritual Director for Camino de Emaús, a weekend retreat hosted by Most Blessed Trinity parish. Camino de Emaús is being awarded the St. John Paul II Evangelization Award at Noche de Gala.

Our first episode of “On the Way” focuses on back to school! With summer winding down and coming to an end, many Catholic schools have started classes already. With each new school year, there is an opportunity to evangelize. Melissa Link, OCS Director of Catholic Mission and Culture, joins the program to discuss her important role within the Archdiocese and the greater community. Amanda Thompson, the Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at DePaul University, also joins us to discuss how Catholic universities can bridge the gap between young adults going to and returning from college.

This month on Mission of Love, co-hosts Jenn Delvaux and José Coronel, explore different parish led summer events happening throughout the archdiocese. Michael Silhavy, a parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Riverside, joins the team in the first half hour to discuss St. Mary’s Brass on the Grass summer music festival and how music can be a great tool for evangelization. For the last half hour, Jenn and José chat with Ceyclia Jablonska about the upcoming Polish Marian Pilgrimage, a historic mission that begins in Chicago and ends in Merrillville, Indiana. For more information on Brass in the Grass visit St. Mary’s website at https://www.stmaryriverside.org/Page/1. To learn more about the Polish Pilgrimage and/or to register, please visit their website http://polonijnapielgrzymka.com/english/

Part of the process of helping parishes change their culture to one that prioritizes evangelization is to invite them to use a new soft entry point tool – a way to enter the faith community in a low-key manner that is focused on faith. One such tool is Alpha. Co-hosts Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, and José Coronel, Evangelization Coordinator, discussed with guests their experience with Alpha. Charlie Thomas, a recently retired lawyer, is coordinating Alpha at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs who has completed a pilot and season one. He shares how he got involved and how this experience has helped him grow. Aida Rodrigues is the volunteer Evangelization Coordinator at St. William Parish where they just finished their pilot Alpha. She shares how this tool works and how it has helped her personally.

On this month’s episode, co-hosts Jenn Delvaux and José Coronel from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship (OEMD), reflect on the success and feedback from those who participated in OEMD’s previous Evangelization Days. Irene Saldaña, a parishioner of St. Mary of Czestochowa, joined the show to talk about her experience at these Evangelization Days. Irene relates what she learned at these events with what she is doing through a catechetical program, S.I.N.E. (Sistema Integral para la Nueva Evangelization), in her parish. Jenn and José also discuss what’s to come in OEMD’s upcoming Vitality Days, which are complimentary workshops that focus on welcoming and hospitality in the parish context. Adam Janke, the Program Director for Saint Paul Street Evangelization, joins the program to discuss hospitality and why it’s important for the future of the Church. For more information about our Vitality Days, please visit our website at, https://pvm.archchicago.org/evangelization/events. To learn more about Saint Paul Street Evangelization, visit their website at, https://streetevangelization.com/

This month co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, examine the ways in which Holy Week is evangelizing for Catholics. For the first half hour of the program, Sandra Mota and David Ramirez, coordinators for Via Crucis Viviente De Sur Chicago (South Chicago Way of the Cross), discuss how this annual Good Friday tradition gives witness to the larger neighborhood of who Jesus is to Christians. Consisting of a live re-enactment of the path Jesus took towards his crucifixion through the streets surrounding the parishes, more than 1,000 people are drawn into the experience. Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship at the Archdiocese of Chicago, also joins us for the last half hour to explain the Triduum, the shortest liturgical season that marks the end of Lent and precedes the Easter season. For more information about South Chicago Way of the Cross visit St. Michael the Archangel- South Shore website here: http://www.saintmichaelchicago.org/en-us/home.aspx

A sense of belonging is one of the greatest human needs. Trying to create an environment where this can happen is not an easy task. Co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship were joined by three very special guests that spoke about this matter. Courtney Christensen, the Communications Strategist for The Young Adult Engagement Team at the Archdioceses of Chicago, was with them for the first half-hour to speak about the importance of reaching and connecting to today’s millennials. Our co-hosts also spoke with Sue Lehocky, Director of Religious Education, at Divine Mercy in Winnetka and Gabriel Lerma, the Director of Alpha in Chicago. They shared their experience of Alpha and how it helps parishes “create a space where people can be introduced to the Kerygma” to ultimately help change the culture of the faith community providing a sense of welcoming and belonging for all. For upcoming events from The Young Adult Engagement Team visit their website at https://pvm.archchicago.org/events/father-greg-boyle. For more information about Alpha, visit their website at https://alphausa.org.

Understanding a person’s culture is an essential part for building trust to foster an environment of evangelization and hospitality. Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, speaks with Evangelization Coordinators Alicja Pozywio and José Coronel about their first-hand experiences of interacting and engaging with the Polish and Latino communities during various Evangelization Days and Taste of Alpha events. They discuss the significance of understanding a community’s shared beliefs and values, and what it means for them to be a reflection of these diverse communities that make up the Church. For information about upcoming Evangelization Days and Taste of Alpha events visit the Archdiocese website.

Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship was joined by Valerie Jennings, Parish Vitality Coordinator for Vicariate VI, for a discussion about the journey of Renew My Church. The stories Valerie shared, and her experiences highlight the crucial role of building community among our parish groupings, prayer, and abundant hospitality. Valerie opened up her experience and offers advice to every Catholic in Chicago as we continue the effort to form vital parishes with a culture of evangelization.

Co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship were joined by Cliff Barber, Chief Strategist for Renew My Church, who shared his journey to his role in the Archdiocese and our renewal process. The core of evangelization is always grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Cliff shared his commitment to prayer and ongoing renewal. The second half of the show was dedicated to personal prayer resources, good reads and ways to connect on a deeper level with Jesus.

Communications is central to any organization. To bring about renewal and to help parishes achieve the three Renew My Church Imperatives – build communities, make disciples and inspire witness- communications is essential. Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, was joined by Michael MacKenzie the Director for Internal Communications for the Archdiocese of Chicago to share ways he is spreading the Good News. Mike is launching a new, robust Renew My Church website, which will be linked from the Archdiocesan website and shared how to access the Summit videos and discussion guides that we are encouraging all to share with their fellow parishioners (www.evangelizechicago.org Go to the RMC Summit Next Steps page for details). The interviewee became the interviewer. For the second half of the show, Mike asked members of the Evangelization Team about events they had hosted in the Archdiocese over the past month and the ways in which they think about evangelization, discipleship and missionary discipleship. Jenn Delvaux, José Coronel, and Beth White talked about their research, insights and the three Evangelization Days and the six Taste of Alphas they had hosted. More Evangelization Days are coming in January as well as additional Alpha sessions. Visit www.evangelizechicago.org to find out more.

On October 1-2, 2018, the Archdiocese of Chicago hosted a two-day summit focused on renewal and how we are going to build a new reality together. Host Beth White and Co-Host Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship spoke with Kathy McNicholas the Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at Incarnation Parish in Palos Heights about her experience and her takeaways from the Summit. Two Parish Vitality Coordinators, Anne Chrzan from vicariate two and Nicholas Carlson from vicariate five, spoke about how they are helping parishes in their respective vicariates with the renewal process. The two-day Renew My Church Summit stressed the importance of creating a culture of evangelization and offered next steps. Visit www.evangelizechicago.org to find out more about the Evangelization Days and Taste of Alpha opportunities available in each vicariate being offered in the coming weeks and months.

Host Beth White and Co-Host Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship were joined by Javier Castillo, Lifelong Formation Coordinator for Vicariate IV, and Chelsea Piper, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Together, they discussed their experience of participating in an ALPHA pilot program hosted over the summer at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centers. ALPHA is an evangelization tool that, if used well and with intention, can help parishes create an evangelizing culture. Fr. Peter Wojcik, Director of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, and Marco Oropeza, Chief Programs Officer, joined the conversation for the second half of the show. They shared information about the upcoming Renew My Church Summit that will take place October 1-2 as well as their experience in participating in the ALPHA Pilot.

In the next few weeks, many of our young adults are returning to college or heading there for the first time. What kind of support will they encounter at college that will help them take on a mature faith? Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, spoke to three ministers from very different schools. She was joined by Becca Siar, Director of Campus Ministry from Saint John Paul II Newman Center at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC): Dr. Mary Deeley, Pastoral Associate from the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University; and Joshua Smyser-DeLeon, University Minister from Catholic Campus Ministry at DePaul University. They shared the many creative ways in which they intentionally reach out to Catholic students and non-Catholic students and how they work to form relationships and empower student leaders to share their faith with others. Please listen to this very hopeful, inspiring conversation.

How would you describe evangelization? How is it distinct from catechesis? How is it related to adult formation? Do we go door-to-door? These and many other questions about the basics of evangelization were discussed by the members of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship – Host Beth White, and Evangelization Coordinators, Jenn Delvaux and Jose Coronel. The second half of the show was dedicated to good books to add to your summer reading list that will help listeners better understand the evangelization efforts in the Archdiocese of Chicago – Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell, Divine Renovation by Fr. James Mallon, and The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis. The first book offers insight into the individual journey to God, the second provides direction on how to create communities that help people encounter Jesus and grow as disciples, and the last book offers us Pope Francis’s vision for evangelization in today’s world.

Each summer, parish communities throughout the Archdiocese host Theology on Tap talks and discussions for young adults at local bars, restaurants and other gathering spaces. Eric Wandry, Senior Coordinator for Young Adult Engagement, joined co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship to discuss the upcoming season of Theology on Tap and the kickoff event on Monday, June 25th at The Fremont in Chicago. The event will feature Father Tom Rosica and Father Rob Galea, a priest who auditioned for Australia’s X-Factor and became an internet sensation. In addition to hearing about Father Rob’s journey, he will also perform live. To register for the kickoff or to learn more about Theology on Tap, visit www.totchicago.org. The second half of the show featured Ryan Lents, Director of the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity and Susan Amann, Associate Director of the Office of Lifelong Formation. Ryan, Susan, Jenn and Beth discussed the Divine Renovation 2018 Conference they attended in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 11-13 and the ways in which their learnings will help the Renew My Church process in the Archdiocese.

Sr. Dominga Zapata, SH, and Ms. Elisabeth Roman joined co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship to discuss V Encuentro. Sr. Dominga and Ms. Roman shared information about the Quinto Encuentro process that has taken place in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago over the last few years. As part of a national effort to reach out to Hispanic Catholics with a priority on evangelizing, delegates will be going to a national gathering in the fall to share their grass-roots learnings. The second half of the show was dedicated to spiritual accompaniment/direction and prayer opportunities. Dr. Mary Amore, Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, shared information on how to find a spiritual director and some exciting workshops in fall of 2018, including a one-day gathering in October with spiritual writer, Fr. Ron Rolheiser. For more information, visit www.mayslakeministries.org.

Pope Francis released his latest Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), focused on the call to holiness in today’s world. Co-hosts Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, and Jenn Delvaux, Evangelization Coordinator, discussed with guests the role of holiness in evangelization. Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Catholic Theological Union (CTU), shared the ways in which this latest teaching is vintage Pope Francis. His focus in the document on “middle class holiness,” importance of community, and evangelization through attraction, are all themes intended for all of us. Fr. Steve Katsouros, SJ, Dean and Executive Director at Arrupe College, Loyola University Chicago, joined the conversation. He shared how the document reflects the Ignatian influences in the Pope and explored the themes of discernment, prayer, and Spiritual Direction.

Host Beth White, Director of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, and co-host Jennifer Delvaux, Evangelization Coordinator, discussed the role of beauty in our faith. Beth spoke with Wendy Silhavy, Senior Coordinator for Liturgy and Music, about the power and importance of music in our liturgy and faith lives. Wendy shared how music is chosen for liturgies and the ability of music to convey beliefs and theological ideas in a way that people can understand. Jenn Delvaux spoke with Eric Groth, an executive producer of Paul: Apostle of Christ, opening the weekend of March 23-25. Eric shared his belief in the need for high quality, impactful media to support ministry and convey our faith to the broader culture. In addition, Eric shared about the themes and goals of his film making in general, along with the specific messages found in the Paul film. Details on the film can be found at http://www.paulmovie.com.

Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowls are a common part of parish life during Lent. This month’s show focused on CRS, Rice Bowls, and the special events with Fr. James Martin. Host Beth White and co-host Jenn Delvaux spoke with Beth Knobbe from the Midwest office of CRS. Beth Knobbe shared the history and mission of CRS along with the impact the Rice Bowls have on the world and our Archdiocese. All the many resources CRS offers for Lent were highlighted – from prayers to recipes to reflections to videos. Fr. James Martin, S.J., joined the show for the last half hour and shared about his writings and talks on Jesus and The Seven Last Words. He gave an excellent teaser for his two talks on March 22 and 23 at Holy Name Cathedral on Encountering Jesus: Meeting the Christ of Faith and the Jesus of History and Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus.

On February 10, 2018, Catechists from throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago will gather at Loyola University’s Lakeshore Campus for the Chicago Faith Congress: Reignite the Journey sponsored by the Office for Lifelong Formation. Co-hosts, Beth White and Jennifer Delvaux, interviewed Susan Amann, Associate Director of the Office for Lifelong Formation, about this upcoming opportunity and how to get involved. They also discussed other Lenten opportunities for young adults. Fr. Jason Malave, Cardinal’s Delegate for Renew My Church, joined the program to discuss updates on the Renew My Church process. He shared the three themes that have emerged over the last six months – Making Disciples, Building Communities, Inspiring Witness. He also talked about how our restructuring of our parishes is at the service of the mission to reach outward and evangelize.

The New Year approaches and many of us consider the possibilities for New Year’s Resolutions. This month’s show brought the staff of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship together to talk about prayer, scripture, and how we can use those New Year’s resolutions to draw closer to Jesus. Co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux were joined by Fr. Jim McIlhone, Director of Biblical Formation. Jenn and Fr. Jim discussed the up-coming Word Made Clear virtual Bible Study that will begin in January. You can register for the series here. In addition to the virtual study, Fr. Jim and Jenn discussed the events on January 22 and 25 that are opportunities to hear a presentation from Fr. Jim and learn more about the virtual study. They discussed how this is an opportunity to learn more about scripture, about Jesus, and draw closer in your relationship with Jesus. Other tools for prayer and exploring scripture were shared including online resources, apps for your phone, and what different religious communities offer.

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas, externally and internally. This month’s show focused on the common themes of the season – prayer, gift-giving, music, and traditions – through the lens of evangelization. Co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux were joined by Beth Knobbe, Midwest Region Relationship Manager for Catholic Relief Services, who shared the various Advent activities and prayer resources available through the CRS website: https://www.crs.org/resource-center/advent-resources-your-parish. In addition to prayer resources and activities, Beth offered ethically produced gift ideas, which offer an opportunity for story-telling and faith conversations this season. The full gift guide and information about how your gift purchase will make a real impact can be found here: http://ethicaltrade.crs.org/guide/holiday-gift-guide/ David Anderson, Vice President of Church Music for GIA Music and Director of Music for Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park, spoke about music, Taizé prayer, and the power of silence during this season of Advent. He encouraged listeners to use opportunities like Taizé prayer to invite friends, family, and colleagues to an experience of prayer. The final portion of the show was dedicated to the Mexican tradition of the Los Posadas – the ritual re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a lodging in Bethlehem. Jose Torres from the Office for Human Dignity and Solidarity’s Immigration Ministry gave an overview of this rich tradition. Jose was joined by Cecelia who is part of the planning team for the upcoming 12th annual Posada, which is dedicated to the Dreamers here in the Archdiocese on December 15th. More information can be found here: https://pvm.archchicago.org/documents/87254/685353/Annual+Posada/aee187c6-4e61-4f01-aae2-ae524daab30d

Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, was joined by three guests to discuss upcoming opportunities in the Archdiocese in which we can invite others and engage in our faith. The first guest was Andrae Goodnight who is starring in Tolton: From Slave to Priest, a riveting new multi-media drama that will take audiences through the life of Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first Black Catholic priest in the United States. Mr. Goodnight shared that the play will journey through the places that were important to Fr. Tolton, starting with the Chicago area, which has a role of honor in his ministry and life. For more information about where the play is being hosted and how to get tickets, visit www.toltondrama.com. Fr. Peter Wojcik, Director of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, and Jennifer Delvaux, Evangelization Coordinator for the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, spoke about (re)ENCOUNTER, the young adult gathering that is taking place on Friday, October 20 at UIC Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. The event will have great music, wonderful speakers, and an opportunity to worship. Fr. Peter spoke about how and why Mr. Mark Wahlberg is participating in the evening with Cardinal Cupich and ideas on how you can engage the young adults in your life. For more information on the event and how to get tickets, visit www.reencounterchicago.org. Ms. Delvaux and Fr. Wojcik also spoke about the new online tool that will be introduced at (re)ENCOUNTER – www.belongchicago.org. Here, young adults will be able to find opportunities to engage in the Church and find where they can belong. It is a tool that will grow over time.

Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, spoke to two people involved in the upcoming (re)ENCOUNTER: Young Adult Faith Night. Sr. Bethany Madonna from the Sisters of Life will be one of two keynote speakers and she shared the hunger that young adults have for God. Fr. Brad Zamora from the University of St. Mary of the Lake also joined the conversation. Fr. Brad is on the Youth and Young Adult Steering Committee of the Archdiocese and will be one of the emcees for (re)ENCOUNTER. He gave the background of the event and who else will be joining him on stage – and made a big announcement about our celebrity guest! Beth White also spoke with Cheryl Haluczek from St. Joseph’s in Libertyville and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship about the “Six Weeks with the Word of God” young adult series. In response to a very successful Theology on Tap, a fall opportunity was created to offer young adults a way to engage the Bible and talk about their faith. Cheryl, who will be a facilitator of one of the nine groups around the Archdiocese, shared how important it is to offer these opportunities beyond the city of Chicago. Jenn who is on the organizing team gave an overview of the new six-week faith sharing groups and how to get involved. For those interested in joining or sharing this information with the young adults in your life, visit pvm.archchicago.org or www.reencounterchicago.org.

Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, was joined by three guests who each talked about how important it is to listen to the needs of those to whom you minister and to find creative ways to respond to those needs. A common theme of the conversation was how important it is to invite people to participate – to find them where they are. Deacon Larry Oskielunas from St. Patrick Parish in Lemont provided information on an important ministry he created, NEXT, to help accompany young married couples in his parish. Michelle Shaffer, the director of evangelization and adult faith formation at Holy Cross in Deerfield, spoke about her successful use of the ALPHA program and how she created follow up opportunities based on participants’ curiosity. Jennifer Delvaux, former director of faith formation at Holy Name Cathedral and new evangelization coordinator for the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, shared the importance of helping to form and provide support for those called into parish leadership roles. For more information on the NEXT program, please contact Deacon Larry directly at loskielunas@archchicago.org.

Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, was joined by three guests who talked about summer evangelization activities in the Archdiocese. Tom Collins, a parishioner from St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, spoke about their parish efforts to have a joyful presence in their community through an “evangelization booth” at the Taste of Park Ridge and “Coffee with Catholics” conversations he started this summer at a local coffee shop. Valerie Jennings, Parish Vitality Coordinator for Vicariate 6, shared some experiences from the Black Catholic Congress XII and promoted an upcoming play about the life of Fr. Augustus Tolton. And the final guest was Christina Aranda, Mission Appeals Coordinator, for the Archdiocesan Mission Office. She shared information about the more than 150 missionaries who visit our parishes during the summer and the ways this reminds us to be missionary disciples and to evangelize in our own communities.

As a part of Renew My Church we are called to not only renew our ministries, programs, and structures, but we are also each called to a personal spiritual renewal. Host Beth White was joined by guest Fr. Steve Kanonick, Moderator of the Curia, to discuss how nearly 350 employees of the archdiocesan pastoral center and agencies gathered for a one-day retreat to pray, to build community, and to focus on the mission of the Church, and why that is important. The second half of the show was dedicated to opportunities to go out to meet people where they are this summer – street Masses, block parties, festivals, etc. Fr. Don Nevins, Pastor of St. Agnes of Bohemia in Little Village, shared some of the ways in which his parish uses the summer months to reach out to people in their homes, in particular their long tradition of neighborhood street Masses every Tuesday and Thursday night for five weeks of the summer. Krystle Frey, Senior Events Coordinator for the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, shared updates on the upcoming Theology On Tap kick-off on July 10th, Theology on Tap in local communities, and information about two events coming us in Fall 2017.

The Chicago-created Theology on Tap summer series for young adults is 35 years old this summer and is undergoing a renewal. Host Beth White was joined by guest co-host Darius Villalobos from the Office for Lifelong Formation to discuss the changes to Theology on Tap in parish communities throughout the Archdiocese. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB, Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation will be the featured speaker at the July 10th Theology on Tap kick-off gathering. He joined Beth and Darius and spoke about his interesting roles at the Vatican, the positive and negative uses of social media today, and how much he has learned from working with young adults. In addition to Fr. Tom, guests included, Christina Bax, Pastoral Associate & Director of Evangelization at St. Clement Parish, and Bryan Fong, Coordinator for Young Adult Ministry in Vicariate 1 and parishioner at St. Hubert Catholic Church. They spoke about the exciting new changes to Theology on Tap and how they have participated in the renewal process locally.

At the Good Friday Walk for Peace 2017, more than 1500 diverse people from throughout the Archdiocese gathered to pray the Stations of Cross in the streets of the Englewood neighborhood. On today’s show, we listened to voices from the day, through recorded audio clips and conversations with live guests. Our guests were Ryan Lents, director for the Office for Human Dignity and Solidarity who also served as a co-host for today’s show. Ryan shared his experience of being on the organizing committee and the meaning of the experience for him. Additional guests included, Mearl Sledge, who grew up in Englewood, is a Chicago bus driver, biological and foster mother, and a parishioner of St. Thomas in Hyde Park; Tyrone Pittman, the Choir Director of the Chicago Black Catholic Choir, also directs the choirs of Holy Angels and St. Phillip Neri Catholic churches; and Laura Field is a business owner and spiritual director at her parish, Old St. Patrick’s, and at St. Benedict Catholic Church on the Northside. Each of these guests shared why they chose to attend the Walk for Peace, the hope they found in the experience, and the power that prayer has to transform each of us and our communities.

On today’s show, we highlighted four upcoming opportunities in our Archdiocese to discover language for sharing our faith. Our first guest, Fr. Don Nevins, pastor of Saint Agnes of Bohemia Parish, discussed how his parish joins with five other parishes in the Little Village neighborhood to bring the re-enactment of the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) to the streets to more than 5,000 participants on Good Friday (April 14th this year) as a way to pray through movement and share their faith with the larger community. Michael Dopp, president of Redeemer Ministries, joined us to talk about the meaning of evangelization and the upcoming New Evangelization Summit on May 12-13th. The Conference, hosted in Ottawa, Canada, will be broadcast to more than 35 host locations throughout North America, including the Archdiocese of Chicago. Our final guest was Fr. John Kartje, president and rector of Mundelein Seminary/University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Fr. Kartje, who holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics discussed two upcoming events on faith and science, one to be hosted at the Seminary on March 16th & 17th and the other at Adler Planetarium on May 18th. He discussed the ways in which faith and science can dialogue and how both can show us how God is present in the world.

There are 66,000 Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago, served by 351 parishes, 38 of which are predominately African American. During February, which is Black History month, Fr. David Jones, the Director of the Black Catholic Initiative of the Archdiocese, spoke about ways in which Black Catholics are reaching out in our communities. Fr. Jones also gave an update on where we are in the process of Fr. Augustus Tolton’s Cause for sainthood. Our second guest was Ms. Kimberly M. Lymore, DMin, the Director of the Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union. She shared information about this unique and important graduate theology and ministry formation program for Black Catholics and their upcoming events.

On today’s show, we discuss the newest film by Martin Scorsese, Silence, and why it is important to utilize various forms of communication to evangelize. Fr. James Martin, SJ, who is a Jesuit priest, a writer and editor for America Magazine, and an author of several books, joined us to discuss his role as one of the spiritual and Jesuit advisors for the film. The movie, which depicts 17th century Jesuit missionaries in Japan, is a challenging film on faith that leaves viewers with many deeply thought-provoking questions. We take up some of those questions on our show today. Joining Beth White as a guest co-host is James Erler, SJ, Parish Vitality Coordinator for the Archdiocese.

For our Christmas episode, we focus on the theme of the Christmas story, following Mary and Joseph as they journey in anticipation for welcoming Jesus. We look at how we are called to help those who, like Mary and Joseph, are on the margins of our society, seeking help and shelter. We are joined by Arturo Gonzalez, Coordinator for Pastoral Migratoria to talk about the Immigration Posada; Sr. Stephanie Baliga from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels to talk about the Mission's outreach to the West Humboldt Park community; and Ray Pingoy from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity to talk about the March for Life.

On today's show, we to take a moment to reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for, while also looking at the ways that our gratitude to God should move us to give back in loving service to others. Our guests will help us look at ways people and institutions are expressing their thanks to God by serving others. Our guests include Marie Jochum, Director of Volunteer Relations for Catholic Charities of Chicago; Fr. David Kelly, Executive Director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (a Catholic Campaign for Human Development grantee); Ryan Lents, Director of the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity to talk about the upcoming CCHD collection.

Beth Jennings White speaks with local artist John David Mooney and Amanda Hicks, Executive Director of Public Affairs, and Robby Sexton, Social Media Manager, from the Art Institute of Chicago. Together, they discuss how Marc Chagall’s “White Crucifixion” trip to visit Pope Francis inspired a unique collaboration between the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago to create the Year of Mercy Art Tour. They explore how artists, museums, and the Church working together can help us find the way of beauty and love in our world.

Beth Jennings White and Darius Villalobos speak with John Angotti, Music Missionary and composer of our new theme song, "I Send You Out." We discuss his ministry, how to use music as a way to evangelize, and his musical "Job: the NOW Testament." We also speak with national speaker, Katie Prejean McGrady, and Joshua Smyser-DeLeon, Coordinator for Youth And Young Adult Ministry, about the upcoming event, Holy Fire. Katie will be a keynoter at the event and will speak about her ministry to young people as a high school teacher, author, and "theological comedian."

On the inaugural radio show for the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, hosts Beth Jennings White and Darius Villalobos talk about the 2016 Olympics and "the catholic Olympics", World Youth Day 2016. They spend some time recapping some of the athletes that are sharing their faith on the Olympic stage at Rio. They are also joined by guests Melissa McGlynn from St. Genevieve Parish in Chicago and Kent Liederbach from St. Mary of Vernon parish in Vernon Hills, who were pilgrims that traveled to Poland for WYD 2016. They discuss the significance of the pilgrimage and how they are bringing the WYD experience home to share with their communities.