Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps low-income, single parents with case management and employment services, for up to five years as they work towards greater stability and improve their quality of life. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Patricia Fuller, Heather Stewart and Ashley Reynolds to discuss the upcoming Annual Achievement Celebration that acknowledges milestones reached by participants over the past year as they continue to strive for their goals.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Msgr. John Pollard discusses his book “An Account of Our Hope” regarding the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 3, 16-18, del domingo, 4 de junio de 2023. Viernes, 2 de junio de 2023

Sister Beth Murphy, O.P., Communicator for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL, talks about her community’s 150th anniversary celebration, their charism, mission, and various ministries. All are invited to join the Sisters in celebrating this event. Visit: https://springfieldop.org/150years/. Check out their podcast at https://flowcastlisten.org/. Young adult women interested in deepening their spiritual lives, visit: https://springfieldop.org/join-us/cor-unum/. Pray the Dominican Blessing with the community at: https://springfieldop.org/dominican-blessing/

Part 2 of a discussion started the previous episode

Host Joyce Duriga has a conversation with the award winning band director at Marian Catholic High School, Greg Bimm.

More than 8,000 men, women and children have arrived in Chicago since last August seeking safety and opportunity in the United States. Our Tuesday Night Suppers have helped Catholic Charities provide a hot meal to the asylum seekers and share information about our other programs and services. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Mary Anzilotti and Noreen Russo to discuss how staff and volunteers at the Tuesday Night Suppers have compassionately responded to the significant increase in the number of people reaching out to Catholic Charities for assistance as the asylum seekers establish new lives in our city.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. In this episode of Catholic Chicago we sit down with historian Dr. Edward Gordon to talk about the current situation in regards to Covid-19 and also the state of the United States Economy.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Shannen Dee Williams is Associate Professor of History at the University of Dayton. She is an award-winning scholar of the African American experience and Black Catholicism with research and teaching specializations in women’s, religious, and Black freedom movement history. Dr. Williams is also the author of Subversive Habits, the first full history of black Catholic nuns in the United States. Guest: Dr. Shannen Dee Williams. Segment II: Niles College Seminary educated and formed men for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 33 years, from 1961 to 1994, and, during that time, witnessed great changes both in the church and in society. Now researchers, alumni and others interested in the seminary’s history can learn more by examining a new collection at the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Archives and Records Center. The Niles College Seminary Collection includes everything from the rectors’ logbooks to yearbooks to photographs and newspaper articles about the seminary, which educated men in their undergraduate years for most of existence. Guest: Archivist Charles Heinrich.

Co-hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson spend time breaking down the Solemnities of The Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost

Catholic Charities Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Food Centers are a welcoming hub of activity for vulnerable families. Last year, more than 51,000 low-income mothers and caregivers visited our WIC Centers, and this was a 90% increase from the previous year. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Michael Heroldt and Shivonnia Dickson to discuss the many ways that WIC Centers strengthen individuals, families and communities in Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. A Catholic deacon is one who is ordained to diakonia, that is, a service to God’s People in communion with the bishop and his body of priests. “The principal function of the deacon is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness. A new class of 19 permanent and 4 transitional deacons were ordained at Holy Name Cathedral on Saturday, May 13. Today we will meet a couple of the new deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 28,16-20, del domingo, 21 de mayo de 2023. Viernes, 19 de mayo de 2023

Brother Mark Elder, C.M. defies being put into just one “box.” He is a religious brother of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Art Professor at DePaul University, Muralist, and is known to wear a cowboy hat. He has a funny way (and a serious way too) of explaining why not be a priest? For more about his murals, watch: HERE.. and visit: The Little School Under the "L".. Follow Bro. Mark on Facebook.. Interested in the Vincentian community? Visit https://www.vincentian.org/. or contact Fr. Toshio Sato at [email protected]

This episode of On the Way features St. Josaphat Parish – the First Fruits of Renewal. Host Beth White is joined by Fr. Francis Bitterman, pastor, Mary Jane Sullivan, Pastoral Associate, and Sean O’Dea, Director of Evangelization. St. Josaphat Parish participated in wave one of Renew My Church and started their spiritual renewal effort in 2018. On this episode, you will hear how Fr. Francis and Mary Jane got started – the struggles, the learnings. And hear from Sean who joined the team a year and a half ago because the needs of the community continue to expand as ministries and leaders grow. Their story is inspiring and shows the need for a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to evangelization.

Host Joyce Duriga has a conversation with Fr. Dominic Grassi, Pastor Emeritus at St. Josephat Parish

As Memorial Day nears, we remember those who have given their lives in service to our nation. This national holiday also provides us with the opportunity to discuss Catholic Charities’ programs and services for veterans, especially our St. Leo’s Campus for Veterans. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome David Dempsey and Daniel Perkins to discuss the how St. Leo’s continues to offer a unique residential community that affirms and supports veterans, in gratitude for their service.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 14,15-21, del domingo, 14 de mayo de 2023. Viernes, 12 de mayo de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The BASE Chicago re-imagines pathways to success for urban youth by combining sports and academic opportunities with a distinctive methodology rooted in excellence, belief and love. The organization provides a range of programming including academic/STEM tutoring, violence prevention and life skills, healthy lifestyle guidance and high-quality baseball and softball skills training. The BASE Chicago’s Clubhouse and Learning Center will become a beacon of hope on Chicago’s West Side. The goal of The BASE is to ensure that 100% of BASE student athletes graduate from high school and have the support and resources they need to develop their individual game plans for success, whether that includes matriculating to college or entering a job training program. We focus on developing good citizens who make good decisions, steering them away from violence, gang activity and other negative behaviors. Joining us for the full hour in studio are Frank Schulz and Eric Davis.

This month Megan meets Fr. Jacek Garus, a Salesian of Don Bosco. He is visiting the Chicago area to share the good work of his community in Kazembe, Zambia in east Africa. He has been working at St. John Bosco Parish in Kazembe, the youth center and he is Principal of Don Bosco Carpentry School. Fr. Jacek shares about his current ministry at Don Bosco Carpentry School as well as life in Kazembe, Zambia.

Transforming Lives is a Catholic Charities program that addresses the serious concerns of expectant mothers who are struggling with substance use while they are pregnant, or after they have delivered their babies. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Carla Gutierrez and Linda Enriquez to discuss how this life-affirming program helps new mothers recover from their dependency and plan for a healthier, safer future, for themselves and for their children.

Host Fr. Michael Trail speaks with Dr. Denise Spells about Catholic Education in the African American community

Brother Allen Pacquing, S.M. is a Marianist Brother, and currently serves as Academic Advisor, Advising and Career Development at Chaminade University in Honolulu, HI. Bro. Allen joined his community in 2012 and professed perpetual vows in 2020. He talks about his calling as a religious brother and invites those who are curious to discover more about this vocation. He wrote an article about his own vocation story on the Vision Vocation Magazine. Click the link for the article: Brotherhood Is Right For Me. Marianist Website.| Marianist Vocations.

Join Deacons Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik as they discuss “Creating a Rule of Life” with spiritual director Tiffani Boerio. So often, we have the best of intentions in our desire to engage in a more consistent pattern of devotion, prayer and conversation with God. However, too often, we get distracted and fail in follow-through. In this helpful discussion, the deacons learn from the show’s guest Tiffani Boerio some ideas to persevere in our efforts to open ourselves to God’s abiding love. Included in the show is an introduction to Tiffani’s website www.quotidianjoy.com

Host Dawn Fitzpatrick talks with Brian Butler of Echo Community, formerly known as Dumb Ox Ministries.

Host Joyce Duriga talks with Daniel Palmeri and Daniel Harris about the work they do building beds for kids in need.

Spirit Magazine is a dynamic Catholic Charities print publication offering compelling client stories, engaging photography and thoughtful analysis from administrators and staff, three times a year regarding the progress of our work in Cook and Lake counties. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Editor Rose Sweeney to discuss the Spring issue of Spirit and the way it highlights the great things happening at Catholic Charities in 2023.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: May 1 is Religious Brothers day and the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. In recognition, our first guest today is not only a religious brother, he is also a Muralista, Educator, and Cowboy. Guest: Brother Mark Elder, C.M. Segment II: For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of May to honor Mary, Mother of God. Guest: Fr. Richard Fragomeni.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10, 1-10 del domingo, 30 de abril de 2023 Viernes, 28 de abril de 2023

Broadcast in the third week of Easter, in this edition of Focus on the Liturgy, Timothy Johnston, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson explore the many facets of the Season. If all of Lent was to prepare us to renew our baptism at Easter, what does it mean then to live as one whose baptism has been renewed? The symbols of Easter, its liturgies, the texts of the Easter Masses and especially the Scriptures that are proclaimed all give us direction and guidance as to how we are to be in the world as disciples of Jesus.

Catholic Charities Doula Services provide free birth preparation and labor assistance, as well as case management, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income, expectant mothers residing in the City of Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Velma Walker and Nicole Harper-Spencer to discuss how doulas affirm young mothers and their children, and help connect them to other Catholic Charities resources, as needed during their first weeks as a family.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan/North Chicago and the Waukegan Police Department are joining together for a gun buy-back event that will take place this Saturday, April 29. Most Blessed Trinity Parish offers many social services to it's community. Guests: Fr. Timothy O'Malley, Marvin Sabido, Cmdr. Scott Chastain

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 24, 13-35 del domingo, 23 de abril de 2023 Viernes, 21 de abril de 2023

Host Beth White spends time talking to the Director of Divine Worship, Todd Williamson, about Encountering Christ in the Liturgy in this great season of Easter.

Catholic Charities provides a wide range of programs and services that support young mothers and their children, such as the Roseland Adolescent Parenting Program (RAPP). In-home visits, group classes and supportive services help expectant mothers with limited resources become confident, capable parents. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Velma Walker to discuss how RAPP helps nurture young families during key, early years of child development.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-31 del domingo, 16 de abril de 2023 Viernes, 14 de abril de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: As we enter into the Great Season of Easter, we have the director of the Office for Divine Worship and self-proclaimed “Liturgy Geek”, Todd Williamson, joining us to take a deep dive into just what makes the season of Easter so great! Segment II: The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, has been the major seminary and school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago and beyond for over a century. And now there is a new School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization that starts up on July 1 this year. Cardinal Blase Cupich said “This new school will provide fresh opportunities for the education and spiritual development of the laity, building their capacity to contribute their gifts and talents and experiences as disciples for the benefit of the entire church as envisioned by the Second Vatican Council.” Joining us now to talk about the new School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization, as well as other events coming up at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, is the new Provost and VP for Development at USML/Mundelein Seminary, Brian Schmisek.

This month Megan sits down with two representatives of the Parish Twinning Program of the Americas (PTPA). David Siler is Executive Director, and Diane Huggins is President of the Board of Directors. Since its founding in 1978, PTPA has formed about 300 twinning's for parishes in 78 Catholic dioceses in 31 states with Catholic parishes in Haiti and Latin America. This non-profit organization works to live the Gospel by seeking, building and maintaining twinning relationships between Catholic parishes. Megan asks about her guests’ experiences with parish twinning and the various ways PTPA can guide and resource parishes.

Caring adults make ALL the difference in the lives of adolescents, especially those who, through no fault of their own, have experienced trauma and great hardship in their lives as children. Catholic Charities Youth Mentoring Programs offer youth living in Lake and Cook counties the chance to spend time with trained, supervised volunteers who genuinely care about them and want to help them stay focused on positive goals for the future. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Sarah Loffman, Fatima Gomez, and Debbie Roberts to discuss the positive impact that Youth Mentoring can have in the lives of young adults.

Meet Sister Pat Bergen and Sister Erin McDonald, members of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph - Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (csjoseph.org). Sr. Pat is based in La Grange, IL and is known among several local committees and local groups in Chicago. Check out her lenten reflection here. Sr. Erin is University Minister for Service and Social Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, MI and co-host of Beyond the Habit, “a podcast moving beyond everyday assumptions of what it means to be Catholic hosted by two Catholic Sisters.”

Father Michael Zaniolo, Director and Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Chicago airport ministries will discuss the joys and challenges of serving God’s people on the move at O’Hare and Midway Airports. He explains through stories what it means to teach and witness to the word of God and to serve his people by fostering growth and renewal through prayer, study and Christian service for airport personnel and travelers.

Today on Fully Alive, host Dawn Fitzpatrick spends time talking with Mary Kate Zander, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life, about all of the various topics of life issues in Illinois.

Host Joyce Duriga is joined by author Dawn Eden Goldstein

Catholic Charities LOSS Program has been providing Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide since 1979. Individuals and family members nationwide are offered a safe, non-judgmental environment in which they can find community, direction, and resources for healing. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Deborah Major, Program Director, and Emily Tegenkamp, Program Coordinator for LOSS to discuss LOSS updates, and Fr. Charles Rubey’s 50th Anniversary of dedicated service to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Traditionally, many Christian groups plan and stage a “Way of the Cross” event on Good Friday, connecting the sufferings of Christ during his passion with the suffering of our brothers and sisters at the hands of violence, greed, poverty, sickness and war. Today on Catholic Chicago, we have a group that organizes a Way of the Cross event in downtown Chicago. Each year they follow the passion of Christ in the heart of our city, where thousands of people carry their cross every day. Through choral music, Gospel passages, reflections, and silent procession, we hope to enter more deeply into the events of Good Friday and their meaning for us today. They ask to experience the exceptional Presence of Christ among us as a real answer to the needs of our hearts. Guests: Bishop Mark Bartosic, Roberta Gattodoro, Clare Chiodini, and Davide Bonicelli. Segment II: Michele Sotak and Fr. Lou Cameli talk about how faith and fitness intersect.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Since 2004, Catholic Men Chicago Southland (CMCS) has helped men to do what is in their power to do, namely, be holy and courageous men, to improve their marriages, be better fathers to their children, grow in virtue, serve the needs of others more generously, be active participants in their parishes, and be better citizens. The CMCS Annual Men’s Forum is held on the Saturday after Easter Sunday, which this year is April 15. Joining us in studio to talk about the Catholic Men Chicago Southland and it's annual Men’s forum is Bishop Joseph Perry. Also joining us via Zoom is Executive Director of Catholic Men Chicago Southland, Frank Casella. Segment II: Evenings with Venerable Augustus Tolton are community events hosted by Chicago Bishop Joseph Perry where he discusses why the life, legacy, and spirituality of the first publicly recognized African-American Roman Catholic priest in the U.S. is relevant today. Here in studio to talk about Venerable Augustus Tolton and these community events are Bishop Joseph Perry and Valerie Jennings.

Host Fr. Michael Trail talks to Fr. Matt O'Donnell about what is happening within the Black Catholic Initiative in Chicago.

The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities, Lake County Services is comprised of talented, dynamic ladies who coordinate meaningful projects and events on behalf of our programs and the people we serve. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Nadine Shepard, Natalie Reinkemeyer and Joanie Reynolds to discuss the upcoming Art of Caring Gala, hosted by the Women’s Board and the ways in which this special event will help improve lives and nourish spirits across Cook and Lake counties.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi sit down to talk to Fr. Dennis O’Neill Rector, at The Shrine of All Saints at All Saints Parish in Morton Grove. Fr. Dennis joins us to talk about the incredible relics they have at the shrine.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 11, 1-45 del domingo, 26 de marzo de 2023 Viernes, 24 de marzo de 2023