All four years of the Strategic Pastoral Plan has been connected through a common purpose, evangelization. Meet the new director in the Office for New Evangelization, who begins next month providing the parishes of the Archdiocese with the resources and support to become evangelizing communities. Dcn. Strohm will take over the Reflection Christ’s Light radio spot starting July 15, 2015. Guest: Dcn. Keith Strohm, Director for the Office for the New Evangelization

The third year of the Strategic Pastoral Plan launched a focus on Catholic Families that continues as we prepare for the World Meeting of Families with Pope Francis in Philadelphia. We explore the two family-friendly events happening this year here in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Guests: Clark McCain, St. Andrews and Amanda Thompson, Marriage and Family Ministries

One underlying principle for all 4 years of the SPP is to “more deeply incorporate Catholics into the life of the Church...” The Evangelization Expo highlights parishes and offers examples of ways to invite others into the Catholic Church. Jesse and Steve come from two different parishes, each using a very unique way to reach out to Catholics and non-Catholics. Guests: Jesse Weiler-St. Patrick and Steve Moseley-St. Joseph

During the Year of Sacraments the focus for the month of April is the Sacrament of Confirmation. We look at the different ages that young people are prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the elements of that preparation and the ways all Catholics can live out the Sacrament in their lives. Guests: Dcn. Bob Arvidson, St. Francis de Sales and Elizabeth Tomasek, Matre Christi and St. Cletus

During the Year of Sacraments the focus for the month of March is the Sacrament of Marriage. Andrew and Terri Lyke are nationally-known for their presentations and knowledge on keeping marriages strong. The Lykes talk about three workshops the gave last week on strengthening marriages and Parish Marriage Ministry. Guests: Andrew and Terri Lyke

Pope Francis has called the universal church to a Festival of Forgiveness. Select parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago will keep the church doors open for 24 hours on February 27-28 to offer continuously the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Frank Phillips and Fr. Stan Rataj speak of their commitment to the Sacrament of Penance and the Festival of Forgiveness. Guests: Fr. Frank Phillips, Pastor at St. John Cantius, Fr. Stan Rataj, Pastor at Our Lady of the Snows

Parish Leadership Day on February 21, 2015 will have 105 workshops that focus on Living the Sacraments: Healing, Community, Discipleship. Three workshop presenters speak about their workshops and their commitment to an event that is created by people-for the people. This year there are several ways to include all parishioners, especially Spanish-speakers, Polish-speakers, youth and those who are hearing-impaired. Guest(s): Dcn. Richard Hudzik, Michael Ward, Anna Dudek, Karla Vargas

In the Year of Sacraments, one Sacrament is highlighted each month of the year. While people may understand the rituals of each Sacrament they may not know the source of the Sacraments. Fr. Jim McIlhone explains the origin of each of the seven Sacraments is held in Scripture.

In the Year of Sacraments, parishes will highlight one Sacrament each month. Our focus in October is anointing of the sick. This Sacrament is possibly the least understood, so we discuss the words, the rituals, the history and personal experiences of anointing of the sick. Guest(s): Fr. Joe Mulcrone, Carol Ostrowski

To close the Year of Strong Catholic Parents, families were asked to “Take the Gospel Challenge.” The winner of the challenge tells how she uses Scripture with her family and in her ministry. Advice is offered to parents and parishes from a teacher of Chicago Catholic Scripture School.

In the Year of Sacraments, religious education programs have creative ways to help children and adults gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Sacraments. Catechetical leaders in Vicariate share their stories. Guests: Lynn LeTourneau, Sr. Guillermina Gutierrez, Patricia Malinowski

Father Lou Cameli talks about his role in the Strategic Pastoral Plan, and Sandy Solari from Mary Seat of Wisdom talks about how that parish has used the theme of Strong Catholic Parents and the "One Word at a Time" articles.

During the Year of Strong Catholic Parents, parishes have been invited to participate in a national program of Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth. Presenters have listened to the needs and concerns within the African-American community and adjusted the parent presentation to reflect the community with new images and data. Guests: Mark Nimo and Willie Cobb

St. Catherine and St. John of the Cross created a 2-track Baptism program in order to reach parents who have had more than one baby Baptized. The second “track focuses on how to create a Catholic family life. Susan Vogt, a nationally recognized author joins the conversation and shares some of the wisdom from her Parenting Pointers. Guests: MJ Martin, Maryellen Lynch, Susan Vogt

For several years Mater Christi parish included an evening of faith sharing for the children in the Religious Education program. During the Year of Strong Catholic Parents all the parents were invited to watch their child’s presentation and stay for conversations of faith. The event grew in popularity and plans are in place to continue next year. This story will inspire you to try parent-friendly programs at your parish.

Faith conversations and faith traditions in the home are themost important element of growing a strong faith in children. Lent is the perfect time to talk aboutCatholic beliefs and make some changes in daily activities so that our faith isa lived experience. Four mothers sharetheir ideas on how Lent can be more meaningful for families. Guests: Mary Jo Kunzmann, Susan Sholty, Ruth Jacobs, BethGiazzon

St. Anne parish has more households with elderly parishioners than young families, so they have shifted the focus of the Year of Strong Catholic Parents towards grandparents and godparents. Two other guests have responded to the requests of parents of children with special needs to adjust religious education curriculum to meet the diverse needs of this population. Guests: Joellyn Cicciarelli, Barb Campbell, Elaine Bulanda

Parishes are finding creative ways to gather families together to learn and grow in faith. St. Anne, St. Mary and St. Paul the Apostle each have a different version of family faith formation. Everyone will be inspired by listening to their stories and advice. Guests: Clare Poupard, Karie Ferrell, Mary Jane Kurowski

Two teens from St. Blase Polish School share their experience on attending NCYC that inspired them to make a video for the Teen Video Contest. They describe their experience growing up as Polish Catholics and offer advice to other teens… “don’t be afraid to show your faith!”
Year of Strong Catholic Parents Video Contest

This year Our Lady of Grace parish required parents who bring their child for First Eucharist and Confirmation to attend a parent Retreat. It has been a powerful experience for the pastor and the parents. Divine Providence parish is developing a plan to follow up with young parents who bring their child to Baptism. Guests: Rev. George Schopp, Debbie Cammarata

Author, Margaret Brennan describes her new book, Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families. St. Barnabas Religious Education and Youth Ministry programs have distributed the book to families as just one of the many ways they are making the Year of Strong Catholic Parents come alive in their parish. Guests: Margaret Brennan, Matt Furjanic, Maryellen Harrington, Sue Poole

Mike and Lori Pacer changed their careers and their lives to bring other adults to a deeper faith. Their work eventually lead them to create Evangelize All ministries, which offers a retreat and a plan for learning and developing small faith-sharing communities. Mark and Gidget share how their retreat experience helped them deepen their faith. Guests: Mike and Lori Pacer, Mark Scolieri, Gidget Baker

Sts. Faith Hope and Charity Parish has established a pattern of supporting parents with resources and activities. Susan Doubet, Director of Religious Education explains some of the initiatives already in place in the Rel. Ed. Program and parent/catechist, Joe Seminetta describes how to really be a “strong Catholic parent.”

You can tell a lot about the mission and vision of a parish by the way they communicate with their parishioners…and their potential parishioners. Today we will hear from two people who work hard to make those communications both clear and attractive in a parish bulletin and through parish websites. Guests: Hugo Lugo, web-master, Barbara Mares, bulletin Editor at St. Celestines

Infant Jesus of Prague did not have to wait for the third year of the Strategic Pastoral Plan to focus on parents and families. Pastor, Fr. Mike Nacius survey the parents of children receiving Confirmation to see what parents want and need most from their parish. Pat Kahl talks about creating a Family Mass and parents, Karen and Brenda provide details on the ways that Infant Jesus of Prague is a very family-friendly parish. Guests: Fr. Mike Nacius-Pastor, Pat Kahl-Director of Religious Education, Karen Whitfield and Brenda Wallace-Parents

Four guests from four different parishes describe events/materials that they developed during the Year of Sunday Mass: St. Ann’s has weekly bulletin articles highlighting liturgical ministries, St. Christopher’s held an evening of adult formation on the Catholic Mass, St. Jerome’s created a monthly Mass for young people, Our Lady of the Ridge holds a special blessing for their lectors. Guests: Bob Smith (St. Christopher) Debbie Bona (St. Ann, Lansing) Peter Goschy (St. Jerome) and Kathy Lape (Our Lady of the Ridge)

Two Ministry Commissioners explain how the Vicariate planned activities/events for the Year of Sunday Mass and offer suggestions on what parishes can do to engage parishioners in learning more about the Mass. Guests: Deacon Franco Foti-Our Lady of Snows, Carol Conway (P.A.)-St. Germaine

Parish Staffs in Deanery II-D decided in Fall 2012 that they would collaborate on ideas/activities/ promotions in the Year of Sunday Mass to engage Catholics in Sunday Mass and increase Mass attendance. Representatives from three parishes explain the origin of Feed Your Spirit, the marketing aspect and other parish activities and events associated with the Year of Sunday Mass.

Gene Myers and Tim offer an overview of the Parish Transformation process and some examples of how parishes have used the process to grow and change. Parishioners from St. Joseph’s describe their parish participation in the Year of Teens and Young Adults and this Year of Sunday Mass. One creative way to bridge into next year is through a new parish initiative called “Family Mass.” Guests: John and Annette Henik, Gene Myers, Tim Weiske

St. Ann’s prepared for the Year of Sunday Mass by forming a committee of parishioners to brainstorm ideas and events. Pastor, Fr. Ralph and Elaine discuss the many initiatives that came from this committee. Youth Minister, Monica explains how all the activity during the Year of Sunday Mass has impacted the teens at St. Ann’s. Guests: Rev. Ralph Zwirn, Elaine Buldano, Monica Elsey

High School teens from all around the Archdiocese are creating videos that tell of the importance of Sunday Mass, which could win them a $5,000 first prize. Sarah and Breanna from St. Odilo talk about the process of creating their video with members of their Youth Group. Trisha, Lauren, Angela and Karen from Mt. Assisi Academy discuss how they developed their videos as part of a religion class assignment in Ms. Kirsch’s class. Guests: Sarah and Breanna from St. Odilo, Trisha, Lauren, Angela and Karen from Mt. Assisi Academy

To encourage the children of St. Mary of the Angels parish to attend Sunday Mass, Fr. John Waiss created a poster with every Sunday written inside a star. The children fill in the star each time they attend Sunday Mass. Now the poster is also being used at good Shepherd parish. Each guest tells about the success and challenges of this creative idea. Guests: Fr. John Waiss, St. Mary of the angels also Luis Flores and Martha Gambora from Good Shepherd

Three guests explain a different way of helping parishioners gain better understanding of the Mass: Lisa Friedlander from St. Clement explains her experiences with a Teaching Mass held on Sunday for all parishioners, Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship offers a “Mass Walk-through” script. Fr. Lou Cameli, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Formation developed Draw Near: A Video Explanation of the Mass.

In a radio-collage of the Archdiocese we hear from 3 parish representatives who have created unique ways to have the Year of Sunday Mass come alive in their parish: St. Barnabas purchased 2,000 Mass Journals for parishioners and encourage weekly use at Mass, Holy Name Ministry Commissions connected their work with the 52 words in Know the Mass, One Word at a Time, St. James in Arlington Heights are creating a Church Tour that focuses on the LiturgyGuests: Fr. John Hetland, Tim Daro, Tom Adam

Today’s guests are several parish leaders who have found unique ways to make the year of Sunday Mass come alive for their parish community. Guests: Regina Thibeau; Theresa Perez; Rev. Joseph Tito.

Vicariate I, the north end of the Archdiocese is bringing The Year of Sunday Mass to life through the work of the Ministry Commission. This structure provides resources and supports to all parishes in the area. Individual parishes have already started planning for ways to engage parishioners through events and discussion around the power of the Eucharist. Today’s guests share creative ways that could work in every vicariate and parish. Guests: Sue Geegan and Marsha Adamczyk

Young people have a passion for social justice. Listen to the stories of two young adults who got involved in Justice Month, April 2012. Tom Howard, Director of Justice Education describes the many events that took place and how Justice Month will continue in the future. Guests: Tom Howard, Isaac and Mariana

Where can a young adult go to discern the answer to, “Where is God calling me?” Birgit Oberhofer from Catholic Theological Union explains that a one-week retreat, Catholics on Call helps young people find direction and affirmation. Four young adults who have experienced Catholics on Call share their stories.Guests: Josh, Katrina, Joe and Krystal

Teens from Out Lady of Charity/St. Frances of Rome share stories from their Youth Ministry, F.U.E.R.Z.A. and of World Youth Day in Madrid with Youth Ministry Director, Katie Davis. Guests: MJ Vazquez; Noe Ocampo; Katie Davis.

Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary parish offers support and creates interesting programs for their young adults. Listen to five young women tell the story of how they learned about Native American Peace Circles, created drums in a woodworking workshop, and used the drums in a Peace March in their back-of-the yards neighborhood. Auralina, Brenda, Laura, Sarai and Sonia offer their advice on how parishes can serve the needs of young adults. Click here to watch a Channel 7 newsclip of the Peace March.

Two young men from Loyola University talk about their faith, Lenten promises and creating service opportunities for Loyola students. Alex and Nick came from St. Louis to Loyola University with memories of serving inner-city children through Christmas on Campus. As sophomores these two young men galvanized 400 students at Loyola to provide 100 Chicago children with a very special Christmas gift.

Three students from DePaul University share their experiences of retreats and service. Their commitment to the Catholic Church began with retreats that they participated in at the high school level and continues as college students. Laura, Carolyne and Jefferson attended World Youth Day 2011 with a group of DePaul students, which inspired them to stay strong in their faith.

This show features original music by 18-year old, Phil Caffee who sings, plays the piano and writes music to evangelize. Phil and speaks about how inspirational Christian music can be used to reach out to both teens and adults. We also hear from Phil’s Dad to talks about how the family has encouraged the musical talent of his son.

Learn about a group of teens from St. Martin de Porres High School who travel to federal detention centers in Chicago, to pray for people being deported --- that day. Be inspired by the dedication of Ivonne, Ulises and Crystal to attending weekly prayer services at 7:00am in the morning because of their concerns for immigrants and those being deported.

This show features an APYC teen member, Christopher along with one of the adult moderators, Maria Perez-Eraci (Cooky) to speak about being a teen leader in the parish. The Archdiocesan Parish Youth Council works as an advisory board to the Cardinal on issues in the life of Catholic teens.

Listen to the experiences of three young adults who have given a year of their lives to serving others as part of the Amate House community. Ali Schlereth, Melissa Carnall, Michaela Pease describe what its like to live in “intentional community” and talk about the joys and challenges of their volunteer ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago.