Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 1, 14-20, del domingo, 21 de enero de 2024. Viernes, 19 de enero de 2024

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik take a look back at the year 2023 and talk about what highlights stood out for them, and discuss their hopes for 2024.

Catholic Charities LOSS program offers a safe, non-judgmental environment where survivors of suicide can find community, direction, and resources for healing, wherever they are in the grieving process. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Charles T. Rubey, Catholic Charities Associate Administrator and Founder of LOSS, Deborah Major, LOSS Program Director and Emily Tegenkamp, LOSS Program Coordinator to discuss recent program developments and resources for anyone who may be struggling this winter.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Larry Campbell, Philip Bradley and Elfriede Wedam about the newest developments at Non-violence Works

This month Megan talks with Fr. Maciej Fleszar, a Polish diocesan priest who now ministers in the Archdiocese of Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. He shares how he discovered his vocation to missionary life in Africa. Megan asks about life in Congo as well as his ministry with the community at St. John Paul II Parish. Fr. Maciej describes the challenges and ongoing projects at his parish. And Megan inquires about the Advent reflections Fr. Maciej is offering to Chicago area parishes during his visit.

For the 16th consecutive year, the Gibson’s Restaurant Group is generously providing a gourmet luncheon to hundreds of Catholic Charities clients this winter, in support of them and our organization. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Kevin Arnold, Director of Training and Development for the Gibson’s Restaurant Group to preview the 2024 event and discuss how this wonderful New Year’s tradition has evolved through the years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 2, 1-12, del domingo, 7 de enero de 2024. Viernes, 5 de enero de 2024

Co-hosts Sr. Lovina and Fr. Adam greet the new year with guest, Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC, sharing their New Year’s resolutions, hopes and wishes as the new year unfolds. Sr. Connie talks about her ministries, vocation story. Interested in the PHJC ministries? Visit Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ https://poorhandmaids.org/ or PHJC Volunteer program https://phjcvolprogram.org/

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year greetings to all! Thanks for joining us on this special episode of “Fully Alive,” a podcast/radio program from the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity. Your host, Raymund Pingoy, is joined in by Fr. James Heyd of St. Stephen, King of Hungry Parish in Chicago. He is the Pro-Life Missions Delegate of the Archdiocese of Chicago. They are also joined in by Bob Gilligan, Executive Director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, giving us updates on the happenings in Springfield, IL that we all need to be aware of. In this new year, let us continue to build up a culture that respects and protects life from the moment of conception, until God calls us to Himself. Life is truly a precious gift.

As 2024 begins, Catholic Charities looks forward to the 23rd Annual D’Vine Affair on Sunday, February 4 at the Union League Club. This delightful afternoon gala offers guests the opportunity to sample wine and craft beers from around the world, while supporting Catholic Charities. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Rose Marie Lesniak Mendez to preview this year’s D’Vine Affair and discuss how the proceeds of this special event will provide critical assistance to Catholic Charities programs and services this winter.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 2, 22-40, del domingo, 31 de diciembre de 2023. Viernes, 29 de diciembre de 2023

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi square off in a battle of sports knowledge in the game Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun? -- Sports Edition that was developed by Vicki Quade, the creator of Nuns4Fun Entertainment and Late Nite Catechism.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy aired during the Octave of Christmas – the Wednesday after Christmas. Co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson spend the hour discussing the Christmas Season beginning with the Octave, through the Epiphany to the Baptism of the Lord. They explore the theology, the liturgies and the music that mark the celebration of the Nativity.

Last year, Catholic Charities helped 4,500 individuals who were experiencing housing insecurity. Through our 22 Affordable Housing residences for seniors, and an extensive network of referrals, our caring, resourceful staff accompanied each person to find and maintain a stable living situation. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Associate Vice Presidents Angela Bailey and Millicent Ntiamoah to discuss how these programs have evolved in recent months, and how our work is having an impact on nationwide studies regarding poverty and homelessness.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 26-38, del domingo, 24 de diciembre de 2023. Viernes, 22 de diciembre de 2023

Doctor Tom Sullivan, DDS, is an accomplished medical practitioner in the Chicago area, a pastoral musician, a medical missionary, leader of the parish men's club, and a member of the parish council, among other activities. The conversation with Dr. Sullivan inquires as to the meaning of living the Christian life fully and how he responds to the "universal call to holiness."

Deacon Tom Lambert from the Chicago Archdiocese Commission on mental illness discusses the challenges many have during the advent and Christmas season, as well as, how we can support them during this season of expectation and joy.

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has led a Christmas gift program, spreading Christmas cheer to those who are struggling during the holiday season. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Dody Hickey, Mario Serrano, and Cookie Krupa to discuss how parishes, schools and corporations across Cook and Lake counties have come together again, in inspiring ways to continue the Celebration of Giving and help families in need this Christmas.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz talks with Dr. Mary Amore about her new book titled Everyday with Jesus.

This month Megan sits down with two representatives of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a missionary organization that transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Central and South America and the Caribbean both inside and outside of NPH homes, ensuring that they have a safe and nurturing place to live and a strong family support system. Megan meets Juan Manuel Pineda, a musician who grew up in the NPH home in El Salvador, and Heather Anderson, the Director of Donor Relations for NPH USA here in their Chicago national office. They discuss the history and current work of NPH, and Juan Manuel tells his story of tragedy and resilience and what brought him to live at the NPH home in El Salvador.

Senior Services is one of Catholic Charities largest Impact Areas, serving more than 80,000 older adults in Cook and Lake counties each year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Meisha Lyons, Vice President – Seniors, and Umekia McIntosh, Senior Director – Care Coordination to describe the many ways Catholic Charities continues to help seniors embrace healthy aging and thrive in their homes, safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

In his first ever opportunity to host "Dare to Love" alone, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD invites us to reflect upon the meaning of the Advent season and also the "Simbang Gabi" tradition, now celebrated widely throughout the Archdiocese. Fr. Adam's guest is Sr. Maria Brizuela, a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart who shares with us some thoughts and reflections on what Advent means to her, recollections of celebrating Simbang Gabi in her native Philippines, and her unique vocation story as well as some words of encouragement to those who feel God may be calling them to consider religious life. Truly Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of the Lord, but it's also a time to act in responding to God's call!

Welcome to our December Fully Alive program with your host, Raymund Pingoy. This episode places focus on our young adults in the ministry and the importance of intentionality in building up community life. Kevin O'Gorman joins us to talk about his experience so far as an intern for the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity and as a fellow from Amare House. Happy Advent Season to everyone!

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz spends the hour talking with Dr. Edward Gordon about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic and also the Israel/Hamas War.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. They share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models and to put charity and community first. The Knights of Columbus Council #12173 is made up of current and former police officers. Also known as "The God Squad", they assemble and maintain the Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews Michael Jolls, the director of the documentary, "Holy Ground"

Since early 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak started, and devastated thousands of families in Chicago, Catholic Charities has received an increasing number of calls and emails asking for Burial Assistance. Especially during the height of the pandemic, loved ones were passing away at an alarming rate, leaving families unable to plan for funeral costs. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Tracey Blackburn, Senior Program Manager, Charities Hub to discuss how Catholic Charities has been expanding its Burial Assistance program to help Chicago families provide dignified burials that honor and celebrate the life of each deceased family member.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25,31-46, del domingo, 26 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 24 de noviembre de 2023

Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston break open the Season of Advent and the new Liturgical year.

Host Fr. Michael Trail invites Kimberly Lymore on to the program to talk about the Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union (CTU).

The 20th Annual Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Lunch will be held Thursday, November 23 at 721 North LaSalle Street, from 11am-1pm. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to our supper guests, and remind them that we care about them, on the holidays and throughout the year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Noreen Russo, Associate Director of Special Projects, and Abigail Behrend, a Lead Volunteer at the Catholic Charities Supper Program to provide a preview of this year’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism and Declaration on Non-Christian Religions, the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs works to foster Christian unity and to deepen our relationships with Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other religions through initiatives that resonate on a local and global scale. Joining us for today’s program from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs are Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 14-30, del domingo, 19 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 17 de noviembre de 2023

Deacon Joe Winblad and Deacon John and Vidmar share their experiences and blessings, leading Hope’s On The Way serving as second responders helping people rebuild their lives after natural disasters and organizations restore their physical spaces to deliver their mission.

Catholic Charities Christmas Gift Program in Lake County is bringing kind-hearted people together again to provide toys and basic needs to vulnerable children and families this holiday season. This special Christmas project is in full swing in Cook County, as well. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Jim Wogan and Sue Fowler, Co-Chairs of the Lake County program to discuss the wonderful stories that are emerging this year as generous donors and volunteers unite to spread Christmas cheer.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 1-13, del domingo, 12 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 10 de noviembre de 2023

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi have a conversation with Holy Name Cathedral parishioner, Linda Nardone, about her latest memoir, We Are The Sheep.

This month Megan meets with Mother Leena Cherian, Superior General of the Benedictine Sisters of Christu Jyothi, who minister in India, and Mr. Victor Kuchar, a lay missionary from the U.S. who has visited India more than 20 times to work with many local Church leaders. They join Megan to share about the difficult realities of the most vulnerable in India, and how the Benedictine Sisters and other missionary leaders have worked to protect and affirm the dignity of so many in India. The Benedictine Sisters have committed themselves to caring for the poor and the weak. Vic tells his own story about how he felt called to work for the betterment of his brothers and sisters in India.

Host Fr. Michael Trail has a conversation with Shannon Schmidt about November being Black Catholic History Month.

Catholic Charities 34th Annual Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball is fast approaching on Friday, December 1st. This gala is one of the largest, and most glamorous events of the Christmas season in Chicago, raising critical funds for Catholic Charities programs in Cook and Lake counties. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Tom Ricketts, 2023 Ball Chair, who will offer a preview of this gala, and Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace who will describe how Ball proceeds will help all Catholic Charities clients, including those who have experienced serious trauma, and are now striving for stability, and self-sufficiency in their lives.

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi spend time talking to Sr. Stephanie Baliga about the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and how she raises money for the mission by leading a team that runs annually in the Chicago Marathon.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 23, 1-12, del domingo, 5 de noviembre de 2023. Viernes, 3 de noviembre de 2023

Today’s guest is Ana Paula Panzarini, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation at Holy Name of Jesus-St Gregory the Great Parish in New York, is a consecrated member of the Focolare Movement. We honor All Souls Day and Remember those who have passed on before us: Fr. Mike Scherschel, Bishop Kevin Birmingham, and Sr. Patricia Crowley, OSB. November 5 to 11 is National Vocations Awareness Week . Ana Paula talks about her community’s founder, Chiara Lubich, and their charism. She also introduces their international all-women band, Genverde founded over 50 years ago, when Chiara handed over a green colored set of drums to a group of “Focolarinas. And they haven’t stopped making music since. Other useful links for you to check out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TQGfmeYXSrI?si=PrnDpzkitKa99njv https://youtu.be/16gQagcOkSA?si=pAefaAhs8wDoXMei https://youtu.be/Uf4y7af9wxY?si=4Z4pGRQmCpMuH0Ad https://youtu.be/pzFUJNOZv98?si=TYxJOWDTm_uwxXTT

Take a listen to our OHDS - Fully Alive show! On the 1st segment, our host, Raymund Pingoy, talks with Dani Bodette about the 2023 CCHD collection that is scheduled for the weekend of November 18 and 19. For over 50 years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been working in partnership with community organizations to address the root causes of poverty in the United States. One community organization that the Archdiocese of Chicago's CCHD has partnered with is the Alliance of the Southeast. Amalia Nieto Gomez is the Executive Director of the Alliance of the Southeast (ASE) has joined us for the conversation. The 2nd segment features the Keep Hope Alive Benefit event coming up on November 30, 2023. Join Mauro Pineda and Raymund Pingoy as they talk about how this great event supports the mission of our Immigration Ministry.

Host Joyce Duriga spends time talking with Beth White about the recent Archdiocesan Day of Renewal.

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving has supported children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties, providing holiday gifts and basic needs to those who are economically vulnerable. Last year, more than 15,000 individuals received presents from this heartwarming program. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Noreen Russo to share details about how Chicagoans get help spread Christmas joy throughout our region this year.