On this month’s The Good Word we welcome our very own Fr. Mark Augustine, a formator at St. Joseph College Seminary and the priest advisor to The Good Word, to the show. We begin the show by discussing a little bit about Mary’s role in the history of salvation and of the early Church. Later, we talk about how important of a role model Mary is for each of us, and the unique role she plays for us as Mother of the Church and our own mother. Finally, we conclude by thanking our loyal listeners for their support over the past four years, as this is the last episode of The Good Word. Please see the seminary’s website (cometojoseph.com) for more information regarding new methods of communication, evangelization, and ministry in which the seminary community hopes to engage next Fall. Thank you.

This month on The Good Word we’re pleased to welcome a member of the Jesuit community at Loyola University, Fr. John Murphy, SJ. At the beginning of the show we explore the earliest origins of Easter and its various traditions. Fr. Murphy and our hosts, Joe Hinderer and Matt Pajor, discuss the importance and significance of the Paschal Candle, as well as what makes the commemoration of Christ’s Resurrection so special at Easter. Finally, we have a chance to hear a little about how time is uniquely sanctified in the octave of Easter, which concludes with Divine Mercy Sunday. Don’t miss out on this informative show!

An overview of the vocational life of Venerable Fulton Sheen

Fr. Bitterman and Arthur Bautista

Featured on The Good Word this month, along with our hosts Joe Hinderer and Matt Pajor, is Fr. Ken Simpson, the Vicar for Professional and Pastoral Development of Priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Early on in the season of Lent, we hear from Fr. Ken about the traditions of Lent and why the Church encourages her members to pursue certain penances such as fasting and abstaining from meat. Finally, Fr. Ken, Joe, and Matt discuss some of their own personal Lenten practices and some practical advice for keeping yours. Be sure to listen to this fascinating show!

This month on The Good Word, our hosts Joe Hinderer and Matt Pajor invite seminarians Andres Tejeda and Max Rettler to the show to discuss the beginnings of their vocational callings. As we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we remember the prophetic words of purpose and calling which Simeon speaks to Mary about herself and her Son, and so too for us does God speak. Andres and Max tell us a little about they have heard the voice of the Lord calling them in their lives, and what it was like to begin the process of priestly discernment in the college seminary program. You won’t want to miss this great show!

An overview of the vocational life of Augustus Tolton

Vocations Director Fr. Tim Monahan talks with Juan Carlos Vargas, who currently resides at Casa Jesus with Fr. Monahan, about discerning for the priesthood and his backround at Cristo Rey High School and St. Xavier University.

As we arrive at the close of the Christmas season, The Good Word invites Fr. Mike Schershel and seminarian Kevin Tanel onto the show to explore the Baptism of the Lord and its meaning for our lives. We hear about the reasons why Jesus was baptized, and learn a little about the origins of the Sacrament in the Church. Later on, Fr. Mike and Kevin share their thoughts and advice for living out our baptismal commitments. Finally, Kevin and our hosts offer their reflections on how their own pastoral work this year is influenced by the Sacrament. Don’t miss this installment of The Good Word!

Anticipating the beginning of Advent on December 3rd, The Good Word is joined by Fr. Lou Cameli for an in-depth look at the traditions and significance of the liturgical season which prepares us for Christmas. Fr. Cameli and our hosts offer a fascinating look at this history of the season, and some humorous stories of how certain traditions came to be. Later in the show, Fr. Cameli offers his thoughts on the Immaculate Conception, as well as some common misconceptions about the birth of Jesus. Be sure to catch this exciting show!

An overview of the vocational life of Blessed Solanus Casey.

Priest Talk with Friends: discussion on vocations with Fr. Steve Titus and Pat & Beth McIntyre

This month the show takes a look at some of the key features of the month of November for Catholics. Remembering that November is sometimes known as “The Month of the Dead,” The Good Word sits down with Fr. Dennis O’Neill to discuss the communion of saints and saintly relics. Fr. O’Neill explains what the communion of saints is, and how it is important for those of us who are part of the Church here on earth. Later, he also tells us about the rich Catholic tradition of relic veneration, drawing on his experience as the pastor of St. Martha Parish, which is home to a collection of over 1500 saintly relics. You won’t want to miss this great show!

An overview of the vocational life of Fr. Damien, SS.CC. Fr. Damien was known for his ministry from 1873 to 1889 in the Kingdom of Hawai'I to people with leprosy. Fr. Damien was canonized in October, 2009 and is now known as Saint Damien of Molokai.

This educational show features an in-depth look at the importance of the liturgical calendar (our theme for the year). Fr. Dan Flens, Director of Liturgy and Pastoral Formation, joins us for a fascinating explanation of the difference between the secular calendar and the Church’s calendar, showing us how important it is for all Catholics. We also welcome Zel Salazar to the show for the first time, as he explains the joy that comes from being the head sacristan for the seminary chapel. Joe and Matt also discuss what they feel are the most important moments of the calendar for them; come hear what they have to say on this wonderful show!

This exciting show features a look at various stages of discernment from two of our seminarians. Jose Sandoval, a sophomore student who transferred to St. Joseph discusses the beginning of his call to the priesthood, as well as challenges and aspirations for his first year in seminary. Later, our very own Joe Hinderer talks with Fr. Chris Gustafson, the pastor of Our Lady of Ransom, the site of Joe’s summer apostolate. Finally, Joe and Matt have an opportunity to discuss what elements of seminary life have been most impactful for them. You won’t want to miss this great show!

An overview of the vocational life of Fr. Stanley Rother, first U.S.-born martyr. Fr. Rother will be beatified at a mass in Oklahoma City on September 23, 2017.

Fr. Timothy Monahan interviews Fr. Miguel Venegas, who was ordained into the priesthood this past May

As we begin a new season of The Good Word and look forward to the beginning of the new academic year, we have the chance to learn more about how Catholic Schools can influence a young man’s discernment in profound ways. We welcome Dr. Jim Rigg, Superintendent of the Catholic School System in Chicago, who offers insight into a school’s role in promoting and supporting vocations. Later in the show, we are also joined by Deacon Charlie Plovanich as he shares his story of discernment throughout a lifetime of Catholic education; join us for this fantastic show!

Fr. Timothy Monahan introduces himself as the new Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He talks with Erica Zapien, who works in the Vocations Office, about life and vocations.

Why are more young men shying away from seminary than in the past? What is it about seminary that seems to be scaring men away? A lot of misconceptions about seminary and the priesthood. We are joined by Fr. Brett Brannen, author of Who Will Fill These Shoes, a book about discerning diocesan priesthood, to talk about some of these misconceptions and how we can help the young men in our families and parishes answer God’s call with courage and fearlessness.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day on The Good Word, we have an in-depth conversation about the role mothers have played in the discernment of the priesthood. We welcome Michael Lawinger ’17 to the show to hear him talk about his relationship with his mother, Anne Lawinger, who also joins us on the show to share her thoughts on having a son in seminary. We love our mothers at St. Joseph College Seminary, and we definitely our mother Mary as well! Listen to this wonderful show!

Fr. Francis Bitterman talks with Christian Shiu and Robinson Ortiz who will be ordained transitional deacons on Saturday, May 13.

Fr. Francis Bitterman talks with Fr. Mark Augustine about inviting young people to be open to God's call to Priesthood and Religious Life.

A parish priest, a man who himself has gone through seminary, can have an immense impact on a young man’s discernment of the priesthood, especially when that priest is a young man’s pastor. Chicago seminarian Micah Ventura ’19 joins Matt and guest host and producer Adam Gonzalez on the show along with his pastor, Fr. Rich Simon, to talk about how they have built a relationship through the years that helped make decide to come to seminary. Listen, also, to hear more about the wonderful vocations event, Who Will Fill These Shoes, happening at St. Joseph College Seminary on Saturday, April 29th. It’s sure to be an exciting show!

While seminarians are quite busy studying, doing acts of service, and building a meaningful community, our day is structured around growing closer to Christ through everything we do, but especially through prayer. Hear from Rickie Jacob ’18 about the blessing spiritual formation at St. Joe’s has been, and Fr. Bob Flack, Director of Spiritual Life, about how he helps the seminarians to always keep Christ as their center. This is definitely an enriching show!

Today we talk about vocations with Rhonda Gruenewald the Author of "Hundredfold: A Guide to Parish Based Vocation Ministry."

Today's show was with Joshua Smyser de Leon talking about Campus Ministry at DePaul and the Totus Tuus program.

Why is it so important for seminarians to live in community? What is it like living with other men discerning the priesthood? These and many other questions about the community life at St. Joseph College Seminary will be answered in this show! Our hosts are joined by Wally Ferrara ’17 and Joshua Abraham ’20, two of our Peer Ministers, to hear about their experience in the community and the special role they play in helping bring the seminarians together.

Hosts Joe Hinderer and Matt Pajor welcome back two St. Joseph College Seminary and The Good Word alumni, Hank Lyon '16 and Theo McManigal '16. Hear what they have to say about their decision to come to St. Joe's, what they learned while they were here, and how they've taken that into Mundelein Seminary. This is a fun show that you'll want to hear!

Fr. Francis Bitterman talks to Sr. Lovina Pammit and Fr. Mike Scherschel about discernment opportunities in Chicago for men and women who want to discern a vocation to priesthood or consecrated life.

We’re back to talk more about the intellectual formation our young men receive at St. Joseph College Seminary. Hear from Joyce Knight, assistant dean of Loyola University’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Seminarian Andy Matijevic about the exciting opportunities our students have to study at a top-notch university. Listen now!

Fr. Francis Bitterman talks with Mark Teresi with the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations.

Ever wonder what seminarians study in college and why? Hear from Ariel Orozco, junior at St. Joseph College Seminary, about his time studying philosophy and how it has changed the way he thinks about things, including his vocation. Also, hear from Dr. Alberto Bertozzi, philosophy instructor at Loyola University, about why philosophy is an important area of study and what he enjoys about teaching seminarians. All this and more in the first part of this series on academics. Stay tuned for part two!

Seminarians Discussing Discernment Programs in the Archdiocese of Chicago

Fr. Francis Bitterman talks to Deacon Bob Puhala and Kasia Kasiarz about the vocation of permanent deacons.

Believe it or not, there is a very important connection between scouting and vocations to the priesthood. Today, Joe and Matt talk with two living examples of that connection: Fr. Mark Augustine, formation director and assistant director of vocations at St. Joseph College Seminary, and Dominic Lazzaroni, a freshman seminarian from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. We also hear from John Panek, an active scout leader and member of the Chicago Catholic Committee on Scouting, about the religious formation that the Boy Scouts offer to young men. You won’t want to miss this!

An integral part of priestly formation is in forming men into servant-leaders. Hosts Joe Hinderer and Matt Pajor sit down with Fr. Dan Flens, director of Pastoral Formation at St. Joe’s, and Benjamin Grey, junior from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, to talk about the various aspects of pastoral formation, both during the academic year and during summer break. Tune in for all of this and for conversation on a very special event that took place this summer and how it fits into pastoral formation.

On the inaugural radio show for the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, hosts Beth Jennings White and Darius Villalobos talk about the 2016 Olympics and "the catholic Olympics", World Youth Day 2016. They spend some time recapping some of the athletes that are sharing their faith on the Olympic stage at Rio. They are also joined by guests Melissa McGlynn from St. Genevieve Parish in Chicago and Kent Liederbach from St. Mary of Vernon parish in Vernon Hills, who were pilgrims that traveled to Poland for WYD 2016. They discuss the significance of the pilgrimage and how they are bringing the WYD experience home to share with their communities.

Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations Director Fr. Francis Bitterman talks with Fr. Mark Augustine, Director for Recruitment and Admissions at St. Joseph College Seminary, and Fr. Tim Monahan, Associate Pastor at Mary Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge, about World Youth Day. All three attended WYD in Krakow, Poland, and shared their experiences from that journey.

What does the Archdiocese of Chicago offer for young men in high school thinking about seminary? The Quigley Scholars Program. New hosts Joe Hinderer (’19) and Matt Pajor (’19) chat with Fr. Mike Scherschel, director of recruitment at St. Joseph College Seminary, as well as Jorge Quiroz and Gabriel Donnelly, two Quigley Scholars, to talk about the program and the wonderful things it is doing for young men from across the Archdiocese.

We turn on the TV or our phones and stories of violence seem to dominate the news cycle. So what does that mean for our youth? We sit down with Fr. Tom Boharic from St. Agnes of Bohemia to discuss what we can do as a Church to encourage a message of peace, understanding, and mercy in all young people in this ever changing world.

On the last episode of the Light Show, we look at the state of Young Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We reflect on some of the best moments in the last three years, discuss some of the hopes and challenges with ministry to young adults and look at the furture of the ministry as we move forward with the new archdiocesan initiative Renew My Church. With hosts Darius Villalobos, Pablo Padilla, and Alane Malicay.

Rachel and Keith talk about two amazing events coming up in the Archdiocese: The 2016 Social Action Summer Institute (July 17-21) and the upcoming Make Disciples event with Sherry Weddell on June 25. Find out why these events are so important.

Ted and Kristin Reilly, PreCana presenters and parents of 5 children, join Frank and Kim to talk about what a gift (and challenge!) being open to life has been. They'll share what it's like to prepare couples for marriage and share their great experience praying a family rosary every night with their children.

Bethany Collins and Fr. Tom Boharic share insights on Catholic Social Teaching. They also offer an invitation to SASI, the Social Action Summer Institute that will take place on July 17th-21st, 2016

Discussion with two former Totus Tuus Missionaries: Chip Chipman, a Seminarian for the Archdiocese; and Ben Valle, the Youth Coordinator at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Freemont Center. They shared their experiences as missionaries evangelizing grade school and high school students throughout the Archdiocese and how the program impacted their own vocations.

Join us this month to celebrate Fathers! Theo and Dylan sit down with their Dads and ask for their perspective on what it’s like to have a son in seminary. Hear what these inspiring Fathers have to say about the joys of fostering their children’s vocations, and how children begin their journey with Christ at home.

Rachel and Deacon Keith talk with Sherry Weddell, author of the bestselling book Forming Intentional Disciples, about some of the key principles behind fruitful evangelization, as well as Sherry's upcoming day of formation, called Make Disciples, which will be held on Saturday June 25 from 9am to 4:30pm at St. John Brebeuf in Niles.

We speak with Tom East with Center with Ministry Development about the new Summer Institute launching in June and Robert Feduccia with Declan Weir productions about the Holy Fire event happening this Fall.