Catholic Charitie Post-Adoption Services serves thousands of people who were adopted from Catholic Charities over the years. We offer registry information, search and reunion services, and support, in addition to providing a variety of services to those who would like to adopt a child now. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Kathy Herrera, Program Director for Pregnancy, Maternity and Adoption Programs, and Lisa Francis, Post-Adoption Specialist to discuss program updates this summer and the upcoming 2022 St. Vincent’s Orphanage Reunion on September 18.

Fr. Michael Trail spends time in conversation with Fr. Carl Gales, SVD. Fr. Gales was just recently ordained a priest.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakwociz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Formerly known as the St. Francis Retreat House in Oak Brook, Illinois, Mayslake Ministries is a lay-led 501.c.3 Catholic Christian Not-for-Profit Spirituality Center founded by Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM, in 1991 as a "retreat house without walls." Since 1991, Mayslake Ministries has served the spiritual needs of Catholic/Christian adult women and men from all walks of life, providing multiple spiritual opportunities for people who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We 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 what is new at Mayslake Ministries is Dr. Mary Amore. Segment II: For the next several Saturdays at St. Philip Neri School, schools kids from 7th to 12th grade can attend Project Peace: Youth Leadership for Non-Violence. Participants will: -Learn to change the culture of violence in our schools, homes, and neighborhoods -Form resilient youth against violence skills while practicing in a peaceful learning environment. -Learn techniques to handle difficult confrontations and -Develop and learn leadership skills Guests: Elfriede Wedam, Andre Rawls

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 13, 22-30 del domingo, 21 de agosto de 2022. Viernes, 19 de agosto de 2022

This month Megan meets Sr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong, a Sister of St. Therese of the Child Jesus from Buea, Cameroon. She is the founder of the SEV Foundation, which stands for Support and Empowerment of Vulnerable Persons, a charitable, religious, socio-pastoral, socio-economic and educational organization. Megan asks Sr. Jackie to share about her ministry experience as a nurse, with the imprisoned and released, and care for women and children who are displaced and traumatized by the violent conflict in Cameroon. Sr. Jackie shares how she finds hope and trust in the midst of all this turmoil and brokenness.

In honor of the Feast of the Assumption, this month’s On the Way is dedicated to a conversation about Our Lady. Host Beth White is joined by José Coronel and Alicja Pozywio, both from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship. They discuss how Mary points us towards Jesus and is a role model for all evangelization efforts. José shares the history and Mexican cultural understanding of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Alicja does the same for the Black Madonna, also known as Our Lady of Czestochowa, who is very important to the people of Poland. Common themes in the conversation are the way in which Our Lady meets people where they are at, hears them, letting them know they belong to her son, all of which leads them into a deeper faith.

Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control show that the number of people experiencing mental health concerns has risen so much in the past two years that this is considered to be a global public health issue. At Catholic Charities, our Behavioral Health Programs are tailored to meet clients where they are at, and our experienced professionals are widely respected for the results they help clients achieve, often using Trauma-Informed Therapy. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Ellen Tannenbaum, Director of Catholic Charities Youth Counseling Programs to discuss how Trauma-Informed Therapy helps identify root causes of many mental health concerns and lead clients to happier times ahead.

Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S. discusses her ministry and how women religious are now holding monthly vigils to pray for homicide victims.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Tax Credit Scholarships. Guest: Britta Kreps. Segment II: Marriage and Family., Guest: Carlos Tejada Segment III: HHS Regulation on Section 1557. Guest: Patrick Cacchione

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: This is the season when students are beginning to return to school, which means that campus ministries everywhere are gearing up for a busy fall semester. Joining us for the first segment of today’s program are Father Bradley Zamora, chaplain and director of the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern Universityin Evanston, and his new director of campus ministry, Crystal Serrano-Puebla. Segment II: As of late July, about one hundred thousand Ukrainian refugees have been admitted to the United States as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Many of those refugees are here in the Chicago area. Recently the Diaconate of Chicago partnered with St. Nicholas Cathedral School to assist some of those Ukrainian refugee families. Joining us for this segment of the program are Deacon James Norman, Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon James Sponder, Chairman of the Diaconate Council in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Anna Cirilli, Principal at the St. Nicholas Cathedral School.

We learn more about how using hip hop culture to engage young people in the journey of faith. We speak with Cortez Watson Jr., founder of the Hip Hop F.I.R.M. about the organization's work in creating curriculum and methodology to help center lives and experiences through an Afrocentric lens.

Casa Catalina, on Ashland Avenue started in 1984 as a Food Pantry for the parishioners of Holy Cross, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Over the years, it has become a vital Catholic Charities service site. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Michelle Ramirez, Casa Catalina Program Coordinate to discuss how this vibrant community center continues to serve the needs of individual clients and the entire neighborhood in an extremely organized, efficient way.

Fr. Michael Trail is the new host of the Black Catholic Initiative program. Today Fr. Trail speaks with Deacon LeRoy Gill and Fr. Bob Kelly, SVD about the annual Sunrise Prayer Service that takes place on the lakefront of Chicago

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Catholic Identity Justice Micro Credential Program. Guests: Dr. Donna Kiel; Dr. Molly Cinnamon. Segment II: New Directors of Inclusive Education and Federal Funds. Guests: Amy Lindel; Michelle Walthers

Sister Sharon Dillon, SSJ-TOSF, member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, currently lives in an intentional community in Chicago called, “The Fireplace.” Sr. Sharon talks about her vocation and her faithful living of her vows by being attentive to what is emerging and responding to the signs of the times. Find out more about The Fireplace initiative at The Fireplace Community. Get involved or participate in one of their event offerings. Sharon Dillon is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis who currently resides at the Fireplace Community in Chicago, Illinois. Sister Sharon is a respected leader, administrator and retreat facilitator. As a 15-year master special educator and Franciscan spiritual director, Sister Sharon is a self-proclaimed avid reader and is always looking at life with a focus on the integration of theology with her Franciscan spirituality. Sister Sharon served as the former executive director of the Franciscan Federation of the Third Order for the United States. She was both a writer and an integral facilitator in the creation of the “Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise” prayer book. Sister Sharon has lived with an individual who has special needs, served as the President for the My Own Place, INC board of directors, an agency that provides housing for individuals with special needs in the Maryland/Washington D.C. metro area and most recently taught theology at the Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Maryland. Sister Sharon currently lives in The FIREPLACE community and teaches special education in a public middle school setting.

Deacon Leroy Gil, founder and organizer of the Black Deacons’ Sunrise Prayer Service, explains how the Sunrise Prayer Service was established to pray for peace, as well as, the highlights over the last 13 years of the event. He shares his excitement for the upcoming Sunrise Prayer Service which will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022. This year the Sunrise Prayer Service has been expanded in collaboration with Our Lady of Africa Parish and the Black Catholic Initiative (BCI) to include a Peace Fellowship Breakfast and Peace Symposium to promote peace in a city plagued by violence.

On Today’s Fully Alive Dawn welcomes two coworkers from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity to discuss the roles of their ministries. During the first half Mauro Pineda from Pastoral Migratoria shares the work of the Immigration Ministry Team and during the second half of the show, Dawn introduces her newest coworker, Danielle Bodette who manages the Catholic Campaign for Human Development(CCHD) as well as the Archdiocesan relationship to Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities operates 16 Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Centers that are wonderful hubs of community support, supplying nutritious food, nutrition education and other information and referrals to low-income individuals and families, helping them gain access to Catholic Charities’ wide network of Community Development and Outreach Services. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Shivonnia Dickson, WIC Department Director of Operations who will provide an update on all of the great things happening at our WIC Centers this summer.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Pope Francis visited Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022, with stops in the provinces of Alberta and Quebec and the territory of Nunavut. The trip mainly focused on apologizing for the Catholic Church's role in the Canadian Indian residential school system and reconciliation with the country's Indigenous peoples. It was the first papal visit to Canada since 2002, when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Guests: Michael P. Murphy; Jody Roy; Sr. Sue Torgersen, CSJ

On the Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul, June 29th, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God. He writes to all the faithful and addresses such themes as Jesus’ deepest desire to share the Passover meal with each of us; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’s profound love for us, and how God encounters us in a most unique and powerful way in the Liturgy and in the Sacraments. Todd Williamson, Danielle Noe and Timothy Johnston discuss this document and give an overall introduction to it.

Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program continues to be especially busy this year, welcoming additional refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine as hostilities continue to devastate these countries. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Case Managers Emily Parker and Sophia Schmall to discuss the tragic situations in the lives of our refugee clients, and how they are finding hope and healing as they rebuild their lives in Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: There is a new Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Deacon James Norman joins us to talk about how his journey of faith has led him to be the new Vicar for Deacons. Segment II: Build Each Other Up is a faith-based organization that organized to further connect Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge, and sharing parish, Epiphany, in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. This partnership has been working together since 2015 to create more affordable housing and local labor opportunities for families within the Epiphany community. Build Each Other Up is a not-for-profit 501 C (3) charity, and all donations go toward the properties and their renovations. They are now making progress on their 4th renovation! Guests: Rukeem Campbell, Dinitia Robinson, Bill Ristau

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 11, 1-13 del domingo, 24 de julio de 2022. Viernes, 22 de julio de 2022

This month Megan meets three lay missionaries who recently participated in a mission immersion trip in Piura, Peru. She talks with Linda Shea, Lisa Filip and Patti Gleason. This mission trip was organized by ministry leaders at Our Lady of Humility and St. Patrick Parish in Beach Park/Wadsworth. The trip is a key part of a larger mission relationship with Santisimo Sacramento Parish in Peru that has been developing for nearly 20 years!

Host Beth White talks to Kevin Pease, Director of IPS Scripture School at Loyola University, about HOPE.

For almost 20 years, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) has been helping low-income individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney. Staff members, and volunteer attorneys help clients navigate the complex legal world, and learn more about their rights and responsibilities regarding a variety of civil law issues. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch, two accomplished attorneys and dedicated CCLA volunteers to discuss how the program continues to evolve and help clients grow in their ability to advocate for themselves in legal matters.

The new Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon James Norman, joined host Joyce Duriga to talk about the diaconate in Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 10, 38-42 del domingo, 17 de julio de 2022. Viernes, 15 de julio de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins our hosts to give an update on where things stand in the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic outlook for 2022 and 2023.

We learn more about resources available to parishes around the work of racial justice and the Sin of Racism. We speak with Noelle Collis-Devito and Andrew Musgrave from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati talking about resources available for those in parishes to use. They share a video series, discussion guide and leader materials.

Catholic Charities is blessed to have many parish partners across the Archdiocese of Chicago. Selfless pastors and lay leaders work in tandem with Catholic Charities to identify needs in the community and determine the best ways for people to access programs and services that can ease their burdens and help them plan for a brighter future. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Marilu Gonzalez, Regional Director for the City/Southwest Region and Fr. Homero Sanchez, Pastor of St. Rita of Cascia/St. Clare of Montefalco Parish to discuss the many ways that this wonderful parish is helping to fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities on the local, parish level.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 10, 25-37 del domingo, 10 de julio de 2022. Viernes, 8 de julio de 2022

Sister Joyce Diltz, PHJC, a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Sister, talks about Spiritual Direction – what it is, what it is not, and who is it for? If you are seeking guidance in your life, this is the topic for you! To find out more about the Poor Handmaids - PHJC website: www.poorhandmaids.org. To contact Sr. Joyce, email [email protected].

On the July 7, 2022 broadcast co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic introduce the new Vicar for Deacons, Deacon James Norman, who will have assumed office on July 1. The conversation considers change, managing a busy life and the hope for all of us to grow closer to Our Lord. The invitation is extended to everyone to pray for a right ordering and healthy prioritization in all of our different tasks. By managing what we do we will find the ability to say yes to what is important.

In this edition of Fully Alive Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy are joined by Bob Gilligan of the Catholic Conference of Illinois to discuss The Church's Response to the Overturn of Roe V. Wade. They also discuss the importance of the program Walking With Moms in Need. www.walkingwithmoms.com

In the past two years, Catholic Charities Food Pantries have seen double, and sometimes triple the number of clients facing food insecurity. It is tremendously difficult to ensure that nutritious food is available to our clients, throughout Cook and Lake counties on an ongoing basis, but our dedicated staff and food suppliers continue to rise to the challenge. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Sharon Holmes, Pantry Operations Supervisor for all eight pantries, to provide an update on how the pantries are faring this summer.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Serving the Poor in the current climate of inflation. We have 2 individuals who excel at serving the poor of their communities to talk about how the current economic climate of high inflation is impacting both the needs of the poor and the donations that they rely on. Guests: Sr. Stephanie Baliga from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park, and Marvin Sabido from Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan and North Chicago. Segment II: ACTA Publications has recently published The Merton Prayer: An Exercise in Authenticity which digs deeply into the powerful one-page chapter prayer from Thomas Merton’s Thoughts in Solitude, first published in 1956. This prayer has been so helpful to many seeking to know God’s will and to feel His leading when the road ahead is not at all clear. Joining us is the author of The Merton Prayer: An Exercise in Authenticity, Steven Denny.

The 28th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Classic tournament will take place on Monday, July 18 at two beautiful golf courses in Lake County: Shoreacres Golf Club and Knollwood Country Club. One of the programs that will benefit from the proceeds of this event is CC Renews, a behavioral health program in our Youth Counseling service area. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Matt Davis, Co-Chairman of the tournament, Carla Gutierrez, Youth Counseling Department Director, and Daisy Gonzalez, CC Renews Program Director to preview this fabulous golf outing and discuss how many generous people are coming together to host this event for a very important cause.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: SS. Peter and Paul parish celebrated their last mass on 6/26 as they will now combine into a new unified parish with other churches. Joining us this morning to reminisce about the history of SS. Peter and Paul, and to talk about the journey that lies ahead, are Father Honoratus Mwageni, Cheryl Reed and Larry Campbell. Segment II: Dr. timone davis is an assistant professor of Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Black Catholic Theology at Loyola University’s Institute of Pastoral Studies. She is also Associate Convener with the Black Catholic Theological Symposium and author of the book, Intergenerational Catechesis: Revitalizing Faith through African-American Storytelling.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 51-62 del domingo, 26 de junio de 2022. Viernes, 24 de junio de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Thomas Bellanger, Andre Rawls Weatherby and Sandra Botello talk about the newly unified parish of St. Josephine Bakhita. Segment II: Fr. Don Nevins talks about the St. Agnes of Bohemia street masses.

The National Eucharistic Revival began on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord/Corpus Christi. This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy aired just days after this beginning. Cohosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the Revival – particularly the role of the Eucharistic Liturgy and it’s relationship to the Revival. The celebration of the Eucharist is, the Church says in its documents, the Source and the Summit of the Christian Life; how then is it the foundation of the Revival and the Missionary Spirit the Revival is meant to renew in the Church?

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 to improve their quality of life. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Maureen Murphy, Associate Vice President of Family & Parish Support Services to discuss the 2022 Achievement Celebration that recognized the accomplishments of hardworking program participants who are overcoming barriers and striving for a better future for themselves and their children.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Catholic Relief Services for Ukraine with Caroline Brennan. Help is needed in Ukraine where there are already more than 2.9 million people in need of assistance! There is great risk of additional suffering both within Ukraine and for those who are fleeing to neighboring countries for safety. CRS and our partners need immediate support to meet both ongoing needs as the situation intensifies. Years of conflict along the eastern border have already displaced 1.3 million people from their homes and claimed 14,000 lives and now 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine. Almost ninety percent of the refugees are women and children. Throughout this time, Caritas Ukraine, with support from CRS, has been providing emergency relief and recovery. CRS and Caritas partners on the ground are preparing across Ukraine and in bordering countries, providing safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more. The situation there is rapidly unfolding, and we could not do this work without your help. When you donate, you provide immediate assistance for your Ukrainian sisters and brothers affected by this crisis. Your prayers and support will make so much difference. To learn more and to donate, visit crs.org Segment II: Religious Freedom Week with Aaron Weldon. Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. Beginning June 22, the feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom. Topics for Pray-Reflect-Act during the week: June 22 – Walking with Moms in Need June 23 – Church Vandalism June 24 – Adoption and Foster Care June 25 – Taxpayer Funding for Abortion June 26 – Religious Freedom in China June 27 – Pregnancy Resource Centers June 28 – Health Care Workers June 29 – Free Speech Details and action items for each day can be found at www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 11-17 del domingo, 19 de junio de 2022. Viernes, 17 de junio de 2022

This month Megan talks with Barbara Escobar, the Maryknoll Mission Educator-Promoter for the Chicago and Midwest Region. Barbara tells Megan a little about herself and her ministry background before talking more specifically about her current work with Maryknoll Mission Education. Barbara describes mission education and formation opportunities that Maryknoll offers to both teens and young adults. In the extended interview Barbara also speaks about formation opportunities for adults and mission immersion trips as well.

Bishop Robert Lombardo, Bishop of Vicariate 3 in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Sally Blount, Catholic Charities President and CEO will discuss “Poverty and the Catholic Response” on June 22 at the Newberry Library. This will be the inaugural event of the St. Martin de Porres Society, a new Catholic Charities forum for dialogue and debate on issues such as economic growth, social justice, the Mission of Charity and the power of faith in serving. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to preview this special event on June 22.

On the Way welcomes Brian Romer Niemiec, Lifelong Formation Coordinator for Vicariate Two, for a conversation with Co-Hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux about the first fruits of evangelization work in parishes in his vicariate. Jenn Delvaux has worked with a number of parishes in Vicariate Two and together with Brian and Beth, they discuss tangible signs of renewal. At the end of the show, Beth and Jenn share a personal note. Jenn Delvaux is leaving her role in the Archdiocese and this is her last show as Co-Host. To close out their time together, Beth asks Jenn to reflect on her learnings from walking with parishes during these last five years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 16, 12-15 del domingo, 12 de junio de 2022. Viernes, 10 de junio de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins Fr. Greg and Mark for the full hour to discuss current developments of various topics.