In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson explore the liturgies of the Sacred Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. They discuss the Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion (Good Friday) and the Great Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), looking at the key moments of each liturgy, the readings and the various rites by which we are immersed into the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ.

Catholic Charities Senior Congregate Meal Program provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors each week, along with our community partners. Join Katie Bredemann as she Donna Schultz, Director of Nutrition Program Operations to discuss how Catholic Charities’ radical hospitality offers much more than nourishment to seniors who participate in this popular program.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: March for Life Illinois. Guest: Molly Malone Rumley. Segment II: Human Composting Bill. Guest: LeNette Van Haverbeke. Segment III: Invest in Kids Act. Guests: Bobby Sylvester, Dr. Noreen Dillon

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 9, 1-41 del domingo, 19 de marzo de 2023 Viernes, 17 de marzo de 2023

In this show we are interviewing Larry and Cheryl Kaufman, a golden couple. They just celebrated fifty years of married life last year. With half a century of lived experience, they certainly have some wisdom to pass on to our listeners.

Host Beth White talks to her guests Mary Hermanson and Sean O'Dea about evangelization at the parish level.

Our three Adult Day Care Centers offer socialization and enjoyable activities to seniors who are frail and cannot be left alone. Seniors are encouraged to make the most of every day while their family members know that their loved ones are receiving kind, professional support in a safe and uplifting environment. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Angela Bailey, Associate Vice-President of Senior Services, and LaDonna Tennent, Lead Site Director for the three Adult Day Care Centers to discuss the importance of these centers to our Senior Services Impact Area.

Host Fr. Michael Trail talks to Fr. David Jones about the Spelman College Glee Club performing at Sacred Heart Church in Winnetka and St. Benedict the African Church in Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 4, 5-42 del domingo, 12 de marzo de 2023 Viernes, 10 de marzo de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The mini-series, The Marian Stained Glass Windows, highlights the beautiful windows seen in St. Mary of the Woods Parish in Chicago. Each window features the Blessed Virgin Mary and were all designed by the world-renowned stained glass artist, Max Ingrand. This French-born artist has displayed his work all over the world, including the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. However, only a handful of his windows are located in the United States. St. Mary of the Woods is fortunate enough to have some of these amazing works of art. Guests: Fr. Rich Jakubik, Clint Cottrell, Michael Jolls, Jesse Healy, Carrie Elko, Anthony "Tony" Kawalkowski

This month Megan met with two religious sisters who are part of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN). This is a community of African scholars and pastoral agents who promote, create, curate and celebrate their Catholic intellectual, cultural and spiritual heritage as Africans, while also offering best practices in the pastoral field for a vital Church! Megan sat down with Sr. Leonida Katunge, a Sister of St. Joseph Mombasa in Kenya, who is the Program Director of PACTPAN, and Sr. Titilayo Aduloju, a Sister of St. Michael the Archangel in Nigeria, who has been leading in a research group focused on the Church of Now.

As Catholic Charities expands its work on the local level, across the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago, wonderful stories are emerging of kind and generous people banding together within parishes in support of Catholic Charities and the clients we serve. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Fr. David Ryan, Tom Powers, and Mitch Siegel to discuss recent events at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich that have bolstered two vital Catholic Charities programs in Lake County.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) invites those recovering from homelessness and addiction to experience God’s unconditional love. The Ignatian Spirituality Project believes that spirituality has an important role to play on the journey of recovery and it exists to “light a path” forward. The hope is that through reflection on life experiences within a safe and welcoming environment, participants can begin to find the self-acceptance, hope and healing needed to reclaim their lives. Guests: Matt Meyers and LaTanya Simpson. Segment II: Men of Christ is an organization of Catholic men with the goal of helping men to be authentically Catholic and to develop meaningful friendships with like-minded Catholic men. The Men of Christ Catholic Conference is scheduled on Saturday, March 11. Guest: Kevin O’Brien

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 17, 1-9 del domingo, 5 de marzo de 2023 Viernes, 3 de marzo de 2023

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Richard Hudzik about his podcast ministry.

Today's guest is Sister Dina Bato, S.P. with the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods, IN

Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si invites people all over the world to recognize our call to become “caretakers of creation” and use what God has provided to us to help our most vulnerable neighbors. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Lisa Roti, Gary Schiappacasse, and Kathy Felice to discuss how the Lake County Laudato Si Gardens are accomplishing these goals and inviting parishes around the Archdiocese of Chicago to do the same.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Our guest today is Chuck Swirsky, whose award-winning career includes calling NBA games for the last 25 plus years, and over 50 years in broadcasting. He is also a faithful and active parishioner at Holy Name Cathedral. Recently Chuck authored a book that chronicles his incredible career titled Always a Pleasure.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 1-11 del domingo, 26 de febrero de 2023 Viernes, 24 de febrero de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Today on Catholic Chicago we host a few members of the African American Heritage Prayer Service plannning committee. Guests: Deacon LeRoy Gill, Jennifer Farrand, Damani McClellan, Tiffany Brown

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy airs on Ash Wednesday – the start of the great season of Lent! Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson spend the hour breaking open the theology of this season, its liturgies and its spirituality. In addition, they discuss the Revised Order of Penance, a new translation of the ritual texts for the Sacrament of Penance / Reconciliation.

Catholic Charities assists domestic violence survivors with community-based programs and services, plus two transitional housing residences that allow women and children the space and time they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace to continue a discussion about the innovative ways Catholic Charities works with community partners to address the unique challenges that every victim encounters.

Host Joyce Duriga is joined by Franciscan Sister Alicia Torres and Kambra French from Carmel Catholic High School.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Nicaragua situation with priests being detained. Guest: Christopher Ljungquist. Segment II: Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Guest: Ryan Quigley. Segment III: Letter from Cardinal Cupich to Members of Chicago City Council. Guest: Brendan O'Sullivan.

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Richard Hudzik about his podcast ministry.

Host Beth White talks to her guests Tim Weiske and Katie Bak about Spiritual Renewal: Building the New Reality

Last year, Catholic Charities received 77,000 calls to our Homelessness Prevention Call Center, illustrating the significance of this critical Impact Area. Our Bridge Subsidy Programs are one way we work to ensure safe, decent housing and promote successful community re-entry for those who are transitioning from institutionalized care. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Leticia Sanchez, Director of Bridge Subsidy Programs to discuss these focused housing initiatives that have seen a significant growth in recent months.

School across the Archdiocese of Chicago to will participate in the 45th Annual African American Heritage prayer service on Feb. 24 at Holy Name Cathedral. The prayer service will honor African American heritage, culture, community and contributions to the Catholic Church. Six people – two of them students - will receive awards.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Comedian and author, Carl Kozlowski, joins Fr. Greg and Mark and entertains with with his brand of "Clean Comedy"

Megan sits down with Sr. Joan Mumaw, Founder of Friends in Solidarity, an initiative of US Catholic religious men and women who support religious working in South Sudan and beyond. They discuss the significance and impact of Pope Francis' recent visit to South Sudan from 3-5 of February.

Catholic Charities Domestic Violence programs provide women and children with the tools they need to recover from family violence and plan for a safer, happier future. The House of Peace is one of our two transitional housing residences where victims receive support and practical assistance that emphasize their dignity, healing and empowerment. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace to discuss the House of Peace Model that has helped many victims convalesce and move forward, with confidence.

Host Joyce Duriga is joined by Melissa Moroko and her dog Patrick

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mayslake Ministries are proud partners in faith with the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Joliet and the Diocese of Rockford. Joining us today to talk about some new Lenten programs at Mayslake Ministries is Dr. Mary Amore. Segment II: The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research to ultimately discover a cure, while helping patients and their families today, bringing hope and joy to those in need. Joining us for the second half of today’s program is the CEO/Founder of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Kathleen Casey.

Brother Arnaldo M. Sanchez, OSM is a member of the Friar Servants of Mary. He talks about his vocation journey as a Religious Brother and his “Camino Frances” pilgrimage following one of the interconnected pilgrimage routes in Spain whose ultimate destination is the tomb of the Apostle James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. Bro. Arnaldo currently serves as the Corporate Secretary and Province Treasurer, and is also a councilor on the leadership team of their Province in the USA. Website: www.servite.org. If interested in finding out more about the secular members of the Servites, you may contact Bro. Arnaldo at 773-533-0360 Ext. 212. For more information on joining as a vowed member, contact the Vocation Director, Fr. Donald M. Siple, OSM at 773-533-0360 X 210 or email: [email protected].

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Fr. Kevin Feeney about the Joseph and Mary Retreat House in Mundelein.

Host Fr. Michael Trail talks to his guest, Fr. Fr. John McKenzie from the Archdiocese of Detroit about the vocation of Priesthood in the Black community.

Catholic Charities is privileged to provide hot meals to 130 guests each Tuesday evening in our Vincent Hall at 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago. Our dedicated staff members work with generous volunteers to ensure that these hot meals continue every Tuesday throughout the year. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome ABIGAIL BEHREND, a devoted volunteer and ENRIQUE ALONSO, Catholic Charities Volunteer Engagement Manager to discuss how volunteers continue to work together to nourish and affirm each guest this winter.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Restorative Justice. Host Bob Gilligan talks to Marylou Gervacio with the Catholic Conference of Illinois about the topic of restorative justice. Segment II: Marylou stays on the program to talk to Bob about the upcoming push in Illinois to legalize physician assisted suicide. Segment III: Bob welcomes Karen Potter and Brandon Clark from The Covenant Eyes Podcast to the program.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 5, 1-12a del domingo, 29 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 27 de enero de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakwoicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins our hosts to talk about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the second half of the program the conversation shifts to the problem of mass shootings in the United States

In parishes all over the world, initiation ministers are in the final weeks of preparing for Lent, the period of Purification and Enlightenment for those who are in the process of conversion. These people, who have been accompanied by their parishes in this process of conversion, and who have been formed and molded by the community of faith, will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at the Easter Vigil. Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss and explore the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy.

Host Joyce Duriga is joined by Lauretta Froelich from Charismatic Renewal

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Grace Arsenal is a book written by Andy Armstrong about navigating business battlegrounds with grace. Joining us for today’s program is Andy Armstrong.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 12-23 del domingo, 22 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 20 de enero de 2023

Host Beth White talks to her guests Jose Coronel and Shannon Schmidt about building a foundation for evangelization.

Be among the first to explore the latest in automotive innovation at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show by attending First Look for Charity on Friday, February 10. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Bill Montana and Marty Bredemann, Co-Chairman of Catholic Charities’ reception at First Look for Charity to preview this fabulous evening enjoyed by socialites, and car buffs alike! Rose Marie Lesniak-Mendez, Catholic Charities Regional Director of the North/Northwest Regional Office will also join in the conversation to share how the proceeds of First Look for Charity will be used to support Catholic Charities programs throughout Cook and Lake counties this winter.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 29-34 del domingo, 15 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 13 de enero de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The topic of this program is Ecumenism (the movement for Christian Unity) with a focus on the upcoming annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January18-25). Guests: Dan Olsen; Robert Cathey; Susan Pudelek; Jon Nilson

This month Megan talks with Josh Goralski, the founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities, a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers communities in Haiti and beyond with access to eco-friendly products and entrepreneurial opportunities. This work seeks to bring about sustainable social, economic and environmental change. Unlocking Communities partners with faith communities and is inspired by Catholic Social Teachings. Unlocking Communities equips entrepreneurs with the education, funding and tools to sell sustainable products such as a simple water filtration system and clean burning stove.

One of the premier wine-tasting events in Chicago is approaching on Sunday, February 5: Catholic Charities 22nd Annual D’Vine Affair gala. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz, Jr. President of Glunz Wines Import & Distribution House, and Michael Waters, Regional Director of Catholic Charities West Suburban Regional Office to preview this fabulous afternoon at the Union League Club, and hear how the proceeds of this special event will be used to support Catholic Charities programs and services in 2023.