Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Louis Cameli, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Formation and Mission, is in the studio to talk about All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Segment II: Very Reverend Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, joins the program to talk about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the events taking place this year at the Shrine.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 19, 1-10 del domingo, 30 de octubre de 2022. Viernes, 28 de octubre de 2022

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson continue discussion on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi. In this letter, the Pope emphasizes the importance in liturgy of symbols and symbolic action and symbolic language. Timothy and Todd explore this emphasis and how important it is for the encounter with Jesus that is at the heart of every Mass.

A group of parishioners from St. Josephine Bakhita Parish in the city’s South Shore neighborhood is taking action to reduce violence by training youth in middle school and high school to identify violence in their lives and communities and respond with nonviolence. Guests: Elfriede Wedam and Andre Rawls, parishioners at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish in South Shore

Loyola University has been a valued partner of Catholic Charities for many years. On this edition of The Voice of Charity, we discuss Loyola’s Social Justice Internship Program that allows students to participate in the work of Catholic Charities while they earn academic credit. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jorion Tucker, Loyola’s Community Partnership Coordinator, and Esther Marcos, a student who recently completed the internship experience to discuss the many ways this program benefits the young adults and the non-profits at which they serve.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: ENCORE is a program that inspires the mind and spirit. Those who are 50 and over are invited to come together with other adults at Old St. Pat's church to share enthusiasm for life, learning, service and fun! Guests: Mary Kay Slowikowski and Judy McLaughlin. Segment II: Dr. Mary Amore talks about the latest offerings from Mayslake Ministries.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 18, 9-14 del domingo, 23 de octubre de 2022. Viernes, 21 de octubre de 2022

In our last show we interviewed Dan and Trish Buelow who have been married for over 35 years. Having met as teenagers, they have consistently built their marriage on strong family ties, respect for each other and their willingness to listen to the other. They have not been huge planners. They trusted more in Divine Providence than in their own plans. In their parenting, they have insisted on following discipline and resisting the voices from the outside.

Fr. Ed Salmon, Vicar Emeritus of the Diaconate, shares the history of the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of Chicago. How it all began and how it has evolved. Fr. Ed offers his advice to the new Vicar for Deacons, the newly ordained and experienced deacons on what is required to move forward as Christ calls us to Renew His Church.

Host Beth White leads a discussion about spiritual renewal with her guests, Michael Tom and Fr. Matthew Heinrich.

Fr. Michael Trail sits down with Fr. Matt O’Donnell to discuss the ministry being done at St. Moses the Black parish. https://www.stmosesparish.org/

Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving unites individuals, families, neighbors, parishes and work colleagues in providing toys and basic needs to vulnerable children and families in Cook and Lake counties. On the 75th Anniversary of this special holiday endeavor, we are especially aware of those who are suffering due to the effects of inflation and high gas prices this year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jim Wogan, Barbara Campbell and Sue Fowler who are Co-Coordinators of this very special Christmas gift program in our Lake County offices this year.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Invest in Kids Act Fundraising. Guests: Fr. Wayne Watts and Chris Vallace. Segment II: : Illinois's Reproductive Health Act – RHA. Guest: Sarah Michalak.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 18, 1-8 del domingo, 16 de octubre de 2022. Viernes, 14 de octubre de 2022

Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga welcomes Conventual Franciscan Friar Robert Cook, pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish, and Mark Franzen, director of St. Gregory's Hall, to talk about new unique, geographical parish ministries that emerged out of a Renew My Church unification.

Since 1947, Catholic Charities has been holding a Christmas gift collection for clients who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement and Enrique Alonso, Volunteer Engagement Manager for Cook County to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have been made in the past 74 years, and invite the public to join in this fabulous program for 2022 that exemplifies the Spirit of Christmas.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. St. Nicholas Cathedral School Continues to Help Ukrainian Families St. Nicholas Cathedral School has helped Ukrainian families feel at home since they opened. Since the war in Ukraine began last year, the school has welcomed refugee students and their families. The school has held vigils, distributed signs in support of Ukraine, held fundraisers and continues to seek where they may assist. Currently, St. Nicholas Cathedral School has 65 refugee students with children enrolling weekly. Guest: Anna Cirilli, Principal of St. Nicholas Cathedral School

Fr. Adam McDonald, SVD introduces Sister Skolastika Wea, SSpS, a Missionary Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters) to co-host Sr. Lovina and to listeners and viewers. Sr. Skolastika is a new member of the Vocations CAVA family. A native of Indonesia, Sr. Skolastika has been in the U.S. since 2014 and professed her perpetual vows in Chicago in 2018. Visit https://www.ssps-usa.org or check out their Facebook page: Facebook Page

Deacon Max Montalvo of Our Lady of Charity Parish in Cicero,IL discusses his involvement in three important ministries: preparing children to receive the sacrament of confirmation, working with parents in the Pan de Vida Program and working as a couple with his wife with other married couples to bring them closer to Christ and His Church.

On this October episode of Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray welcome Cindy Morales, Executive Director of Pro-life Champions to present her short stories about families who chose life against all odds. On the second half of the show, the Respect Life Theme of the upcoming year “Called to Serve Moms in Need” is presented along with a discussion around how to be pro-life from conception to natural death. Dawn and Ray share more about the Walking with Moms in Need Initiative: how it helps all moms in need, how to get involved as well as some wonderful things going on in our parishes.

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Valerie Jennings about the National Black Catholic Congress.

October is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and an important rally is happening on Saturday, October 8th at St. Katharine Drexel Parish to create greater awareness of this crime that affects millions of Americans each year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Chuck Dahm , Director of Domestic Violence Outreach for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Maria Prasek, Intake Specialist for Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Program to discuss this large, upcoming event and the many community organizations joining with Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of Chicago to reduce the impact of domestic violence in Illinois and aid the recovery of victims.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Our guests today are Mayra Flores and Michael Hoffman. The topic for the first half of today's program is “Healing Conversations. The Dallas Charter: 20 years of progress of protecting children and healing victims”. In Dallas, 2002, at their Annual Meeting, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops drafted this landmark document in response to the crisis of sexual abuse of children in the Church. In the second half of this program we talk about The Annual Mass for Hope and Healing is an opportunity for victims-survivors to find a safe space where they can feel supported and loved. In 1992, the Archdiocese of Chicago put in place policies and procedures to address allegations and issues related to sexual abuse of minors. The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth is committed to continuing the important work to protect children and to accompany victims-survivors of sexual abuse. All are encouraged and welcomed to attend the Mass of Hope and Healing on October 15.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Greg and Mark welcome Fr. Bob Hutmacher, O.F.M., to the studio to talk about the Franciscan Festival and Art Show at St. Peter's In The Loop.

In our continuing exploration of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy looks at the connection that the Liturgy has to Creation. Pope Francis writes at length of how God uses the very things of his own creation to meet us, to encounter us and to transform us in the liturgy and the sacraments. Hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss this theme of the Letter which was issued on June 29, 2022.

Catholic Charities Diaper Depot in Lake County has been a large and incredibly well-run distribution center for more than five years. The Diaper Depot works in tandem with Catholic Charities programs, nearby parishes and a wide range of community organizations to ensure that diapers and accessories are available for low-income, grateful families. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Don Rosanova, Lead Volunteer at Catholic Charities Lake County Diaper Depot, and Lisa Roti, Lake County Regional Director to discuss how this Diaper Depot provides a Basic Need, and more to residents of Lake County.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Fr. Greg welcomes historian and author Dr. Edward Gordon to the program to talk about where things stand with the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic outlook going into 2023.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 16, 19-31 del domingo, 25 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 23 de septiembre de 2022

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Steven A. Denny is a scholar, an attorney, a certified mediator, and an ordained clergyman, originally from Kentucky, who now lives in Oak Park, Illinois. He and his wife Miran have five adult children. Denny runs a private law firm whose motto is “Striving for Justice in an Imperfect World.” He knows Hebrew and several other Middle-Eastern languages, and his maternal grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Russia. Denny has spent considerable time at the Our Lady of Gethsemani Trappist monastery in Kentucky and credits “The Merton Prayer” for getting him through very aggressive cancer several years ago. Guests: Steven A. Denny and Greg Pierce, President and Publisher, ACTA Publications

Fr. Michael Trails talks with Kiandra Boyd, Tolton Scholar at Catholic Theological Union, about youth and young adults in the Black Catholic Community.

Sharon Tillmon has been tireless in her efforts to help fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities over the past 24 years. She now serves as Senior Program Director of Community Food and Essentials in our “Immediate Access and Basic Needs Impact Area.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon to The Voice of Charity to discuss her vast experience leading teams of Catholic Charities staff members and personally helping people in need stabilize and start to rebuild their lives, one person at a time.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Events that took place this summer in Kansas that affected the Kansas Catholic Conference. Guest: Chuck Weber, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. Segment II: Effects of the Legalization of Marijuana. Guest: Ben Court, Chief Executive Officer of Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, CO

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 16, 1-13 del domingo, 18 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 16 de septiembre de 2022

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interviewed Trish and Dan Buelow during the show. Married for over thirty five years, the couple has much wisdom to share. Through the ups and downs of their married life, they have maintained a strong sense of their Catholic Faith.

Megan interviews Deacon Don Grossnickle and Deacon Jerry Brennan of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights. They share the mission work of Microfinance Alliance Africa Projects Foundation. The MAAP Foundation works to lower maternal and infant mortality rates in Uganda through microfinance projects and collaboration with the local Catholic parishes and clinics in rural areas. In the extended interview, they continue the conversation to talk in more depth about how the MAAP Foundation works on the ground in Uganda and provides opportunities to develop the whole community.

Catholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Society is a new forum for dialogue and debate, convening partners, advocates and champions of Catholic Charities and our broader community for meaningful conversations regarding the needs of our region, our nation and the world, and the power of faith in meeting those needs. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anne Kelly Williams, a member of Catholic Charities Board of Directors, and Matthew McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to discuss two St. Martin de Porres Inaugural Events planned for this month.

Anthony Holter, President of Empower Illinois, talks to host Joyce Duriga about tax credit scholarships and how one local parish is raising $800,000 in tax credit scholarships for it's sharing school.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Queen of the Rosary Staff Builds a Community. Guests: Kathy McGinn; Rolando "RJ" Gomez.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 15, 1-32 del domingo, 11 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 9 de septiembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Catholic Impact Networking Group. Guests: Mary Kay Slowikowski and Tom Wesolowski. Segment II: Helen Reichert Lambin, author of An Empty Space In Your Heart: Reflections on the Death of a Sibling or Best Friend

Co-hosts Ray Pingoy and Blanca Rodriguez spend time talking with their guests about preparing for Respect Life Month which takes place in October. The first half of the program features Joe Lazar, Organizer of Vision 2020 Illinois. In the second half of the program, Ray and Blanca welcome Maria Goldstein and Laura Vandercar, who co-founded NorthWest Families for Life.

It is an exciting time at Catholic Charities as Regional Mission Boards become established in the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago, allowing us to serve client needs in new ways on the local, parish level. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christopher Torres, South/Southwest Cook Regional Director, Mary Ellen Brabec, South Regional Mission Board Chairperson and Timothy Richards, Southwest Regional Mission Board Chairperson to discuss how this new structure is forming in tandem with parish outreach ministries and community groups.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 14, 25-33 del domingo, 4 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 2 de septiembre de 2022

On the August 4, 2022 co-hosts Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic welcome Deacon James Maslanka and his wife, Jonalee Maslanka. Deacon James and Jonalee received the 2022 Diaconate Shared Ministry Award. During the broadcast, the couple share how they used devotions to bring parishioners of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish back to the church at the height of the pandemic. They give advice on how others could use devotions to unite and inspire a parish community. They explain how devotions brought the parish closer together and how they hope devotions will create a foundation for the new united parish of Holy Name of Mary, St. John de laSalle, and Ss. Peter & Paul on the Far Southside of Chicago. If anyone has questions or is interested in learning more about how to begin renewing/initiating devotions at their parish you can contact Deacon James and Jonalee Maslanka by email: [email protected]

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, “frequent flyer” guest for Dare to Love co-hosts with Sr. Lovina on this episode. Our guest, Mr. Len Uhal, is the National Director for Vocation Ministry for the Society of the Divine Word. Together with Fr. Adam, they work together with several others on their team. As a married lay person with children who also had initial formation experience in religious life prior to marriage, Len Uhal provides a valuable perspective on the importance of promoting vocation awareness in the community. For more information, visit: https://www.svdvocations.org/

The 2022 reunion of everyone associated with St. Vincent’s Orphanage will be held on Sunday, September 18 at 721 North LaSalle Street. This annual gathering celebrates the life-affirming work that was led by the Daughters of Charity in this building for ninety-one years, until the State of Illinois took over foster care in 1972. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes the Honorable Joseph K. Wood, County Judge of Washington County, Arkansas to discuss his experiences at St. Vincent’s and the inspiring work he has done, nationwide to increase support for adoption and foster care.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The 8th Annual Solemn Vespers for the Protection of our Natural Environment will take place at 7pm on August 31st at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview. The annual Induction Service on the evening of August 31 begins the liturgical year in the Greek Orthodox Church. It is a Greek Orthodox liturgy, to which Orthodox, Catholics, other Christians, and all people of good will are invited to attend. Guests: Dan Olsen, Michael Terrien, Gayle Woloschak, Fr. Jerry Boland, George Nassos

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 14, 1.7-14 del domingo, 28 de agosto de 2022. Viernes, 26 de agosto de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Catholic Scholars Program at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University. In order to enter into an adult relationship with Christ, Catholic Scholars take seriously the commitment to deepen their understanding of faith, pray on a regular basis, serve the needs of others, and provide leadership that is distinctively Catholic. Catholic Scholars are theologically grounded, spiritually alive, articulate in their faith, and joyfully involved in Catholic tradition. Graduates of this program are well‐prepared to serve on parish councils, teach CCD, participate in liturgy committees and lead social justice efforts. In addition they are able to bring Christian principles to their families and careers. Guests: Sr. Belinda Monahan, Moses Diaz-Torres, and Joe Arena. Segment II: The Transformational Listening Conference is set to take place at St. Ignatius College Prep this fall. Joining us to talk about the conference is Dr. John Igwebuike

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson continue delving into Desiderio Desideravi – On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God, Pope Francis’ most recent Apostolic Letter. This month they explore the theme of the Liturgy as the premier way that we encounter Jesus, who longs to eat with us at the Eucharist. They also discuss Pope Francis’ reflection on the importance of Baptism as that which allows us to participate in the Liturgy, “the Christian celebration.” Introduced in last month’s show, future broadcasts of Focus on the Liturgy will continue to explore the themes and nuances of Pope Francis’ letter.