Each year in May, Catholic Charities highlights our programs and services that support mothers and families, and we celebrate the amazing success stories that emerge each year, as mothers in crisis grow in their ability to be self-sufficient, despite formidable obstacles that they face. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Kathy D. White and Jessica Martinez to discuss how Catholic Charities’ WIC and Nutrition programs offer Education and Empowerment, as well as Nutrition and Support Services to young mothers and their families.

Each year in May, Catholic Charities highlights our programs and services that support mothers and families, and we celebrate the amazing success stories that emerge each year, as mothers in crisis grow in their ability to be self-sufficient, despite formidable obstacles that they face. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Evelene Lee-Cole and Deborah Hammond to discuss how Catholic Charities’ case management and domestic violence services offer Stability and Self-Determination, as well as Safety and Healing to vulnerable mothers.

Levenfeld Pearlstein (LP) is a leading law firm in Chicago that has shown tremendous support for the work of Catholic Charities over the years. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes LP Partners Elizabeth O’Brien and Michael St. Peter to discuss their personal involvement at Catholic Charities, and how charitable endeavors are part of the corporate commitment to social responsibility at LP.

Just as thousands of people traveled with Jesus in the earliest days of his ministry on earth, Christians across the United States are traveling in Eucharistic processions from coast to coast, with plans to arrive simultaneously in Indianapolis as the 10th National Eucharistic Congress begins July 17. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Robert Ryan and Noreen Russo to discuss the liturgical and service opportunities planned for June 26-30 by the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities as the Midwestern Eucharistic Pilgrimage travels through Chicago.

Recently, Sally Blount, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago welcomed Kerry Alys Robinson to the Windy City. Kerry is the new President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. While she was in town, Kerry and Sally had a powerful conversation with Cardinal Blasé Cupich about the work of Catholic Charities in the United States, and in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The topic discussed was, “Imagining Abundance: Faith, Hope, and Charity in Today's World.” We’d like to share some of this important discussion with you.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 4, 26-34, del domingo, 16 de junio de 2024. Viernes, 14 de junio de 2024

This month Megan talks with Sr. Anila Christy, a Daughter of Mary of the Province of St. Joseph who ministers in Tamil Nadu, India. She is a former Provincial who now serves as Director of the Marian Spirituality Center and teaches canon law at St. Mary's Malankara Major Seminary Trivandrum. Sr. Anila has offered mission appeals many times in the US. Megan asks about Sr. Anila's journey to become a religious woman and her calling to serve the most vulnerable. Sr. Anila speaks in more detail about the congregation's three homes for women with mental illness. They talk about the dire situation for women with these challenges and how the Sisters have responded to this reality.

Recently, Sally Blount, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago welcomed Kerry Alys Robinson to the Windy City. Kerry is the new President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. While she was in town, Kerry and Sally had a powerful conversation with Cardinal Blasé Cupich about the work of Catholic Charities in the United States, and in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The topic discussed was, “Imagining Abundance: Faith, Hope, and Charity in Today's World.” We’d like to share some of this important discussion with you

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 3, 20-35, del domingo, 9 de junio de 2024. Viernes, 7 de junio de 2024

Co-hosts Sister Lovina Pammit, OSF (celebrating her 25th Jubilee Anniversary as a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart) and Father Adam MacDonald, SVD, with guests Sister Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJ, and Transitional Deacon John Eustice, CSV (Soon to be ordained as a priest) have a conversation about celebration of special events, their ministries, community, and prayer life. Check out their websites: Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart https://fssh.net/ Society of the Divine Word https://www.divineword.org/ Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph https://csjoseph.org/ Viatorians https://www.viatorians.com/

The Charities Golf Classic is one of the most popular events at Catholic Charities each summer. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, 2024, golfers have their choice of playing on one of two premier courses in Chicago, while raising critical funds for Catholic Charities. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Matt Davis, Co-Chairman of the tournament to preview the 2024 outing, and discuss friends and partners who have helped make this event successful for the past 30 years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 14, 12-16. 22-26, del domingo, 2 de junio de 2024. Viernes, 31 de mayo de 2024

Recently, Sally Blount, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago welcomed Kerry Alys Robinson to the Windy City. Kerry is the new President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. While she was in town, Kerry had a fascinating conversation with Sally and Betsy Bohlen, Chief Operating Officer for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The topic discussed was, “Realizing Change: Women's Emerging Leadership Roles in the Modern Church.” It was an engaging discussion and we wanted to share some of it with you today.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 28, 16-20, del domingo, 26 de mayo de 2024. Viernes, 24 de mayo de 2024

Recently, Sally Blount, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago welcomed Kerry Alys Robinson to the Windy City. Kerry is the new President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. While she was in town, Kerry had a fascinating conversation with Sally and Betsy Bohlen, Chief Operating Officer for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The topic discussed was, “Realizing Change: Women's Emerging Leadership Roles in the Modern Church.” It was an engaging discussion and we wanted to share some of it with you today.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-23, del domingo, 19 de mayo de 2024. Viernes, 17 de mayo de 2024

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 16, 15-20, del domingo, 12 de mayo de 2024. Viernes, 10 de mayo de 2024

This month Megan meets Fr. Paul Kalenzi, SJ who is a Ugandan priest from the Jesuit Province of Eastern Africa and who has been living, studying and working here in Chicago. He is completing a Doctorate in Business Administration at De Paul University and has been working with the advancement team of the Midwest Jesuit Province. Megan asks about Fr. Paul's discernment to become a priest and Jesuit. And he speaks about his most recent efforts to raise funds for Hekima University, which will be the first Jesuit four-year university in Eastern Africa.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 15, 9-17, del domingo, 5 de mayo de 2024. Viernes, 3 de mayo de 2024

May 1 is Religious Brothers Day. This month, our featured guest is Brother Dominic Hart, member of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace, Third Order Franciscans, in St. Paul, Minnesota https://brothersofpeace.org/ Listen or watch to get to know Bro. Dominic’s story and his love of making rosaries as part of his ministry. Learn what is a Franciscan Crown and other devotions, and how these devotions can awaken God’s call and deepen your faith life. Interested? Visit https://brothersofpeace.org/vocations...

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 15, 1-8, del domingo, 28 de abril de 2024. Viernes, 26 de abril de 2024

Catholic Charities’ regional offices were quite busy during Lent, as generous friends and benefactors partnered with us to respond to the needs of guests in neighborhoods across Cook and Lake Counties. In the South/Southwest Cook Region, six events were held in seven weeks, in conjunction with several parishes and ministries within the Archdiocese of Chicago. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Monsignor Dennis Lyle, Mary Ellen Brabec, Mark McCombs, and Christopher Torres to recap this series of wonderful service projects that provided basic needs, and critical support to hundreds of Chicagoans.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10, 11-18, del domingo, 21 de abril de 2024. Viernes, 19 de abril de 2024

The Annual Achievement Celebration for Catholic Charities’ Family Self-Sufficiency Program is coming up on April 27. Participants have much to be proud of as they reach important milestones in their goals for themselves and their families. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Xochitl Villarreal and Ashley, a recent graduate of the program to preview this special event, and describe how Catholic Charities accompanies single parents, and their children, as they strive for a brighter future.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 24, 35-48, del domingo, 14 de abril de 2024. Viernes, 12 de abril de 2024

This month Megan sits down with Fr. Filbert Ngwila, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago who is currently serving as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army and at Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital. He has also served as a representative of multiple mission causes from his home country of Tanzania for mission appeals. Megan asks about Fr. Filbert's call to the priesthood and to chaplaincy. He shares about his service in the army and why he feels honored to minister with veterans and their families. They also discuss the three missionary organizations in Tanzania for which Fr. Filbert has made mission appeals.

Co-author, Marcia Lane McGhee, discusses her book “Fat Luther, Slim Pickins”. A fresh look at faith and the Catholic Church from the perspective of Black women navigating relationships, motherhood, careers and a meaningful relationship with Christ and His Church

Chicao Catholic editor, Joyce Duriga, talks with the executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois about assisted suicide legislation in Illinois

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-31, del domingo, 7 de abril de 2024. Viernes, 5 de abril de 2024

The Sisters of Notre Dame, Sister Tina Petrie and Sister Linda Pelagio, are back with more stories. Sr. Tina recounts her adventures in Papua, New Guinea (“PNG”) and Uganda while being introduced to the locals (including farm animals, snakes and scopions!) Sr. Linda tells the rest of the story of her “journey of faith” and how she got to the United States from the Philippines and how she found her current community.

Catholic Charities’ Family Self-Sufficiency Program assists single parents with case management and employment services, for up to five years, as they work towards greater stability for themselves and their children. The stories that emerge from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program are incredibly inspiring. Join Katie Bredemann ash she welcomes Patti Fuller, Donna Drinka, and Xochitl Villarreal to describe how this long-running program helps participants remove barriers to success so they can achieve their dreams.

Guests for this program are Richard Zmuda, author of "The Mole of Vatican Council II: The True Story of 'Xavier Rynne'" and Greg Pierce, president and publisher of ACTA Publications.

Guests for this program are Charles "Chuck" Shanabruch, author of "Ed Marciniak's City and Church: A Voice of Conscience" and Greg Pierce, president and publisher of ACTA Publications.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 1-9, del domingo, 31 de marzo de 2024. Viernes, 29 de marzo de 2024

Davide Bonicelli and Patrick Lambert talk about the details of the Downtown Chicago Way of the Cross that will take place on Good Friday

Deacon James Norman talks with Valerie Jennings, Executive Director of the Tolton Spirituality program about the Tolton Spirituality Center.

There are a number of beautiful traditions associated with the Sacred Triduum, the most solemn three days in the Church calendar, beginning on Holy Thursday and concluding on Holy Saturday. These traditions offer faithful Christians around the world the opportunity to draw closer to Christ as we commemorate His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Wayne Watts, Fr. Ryan Brady, and Fr. Robert Ryan to discuss the significance that these Triduum Traditions have in our Catholic faith, and how many of them relate to the work of Catholic Charities.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 14, 1-15, 47, del domingo, 24 de marzo de 2024. Viernes, 22 de marzo de 2024

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic are joined by Deacon Tom Lambert to discuss mental illness and loneliness.

Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga talks with the director of the Office for Life Long Formation, Kevin Foy, about the Remain In Me Eucharistic Program for Parishes.

Last week on the Voice of Charity, we discussed the vital role that Catholic Charities’ 14 Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Food Centers continue to fill in Chicago’s economically challenged neighborhoods. Join Katie Bredemann this week for Part Two of this discussion, as Shivonnia Dickson and Eric Young describe new initiatives in 2024 that will expand the ways that WIC families can participate in all that the WIC Food Centers have to offer.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 11, 1-45, del domingo, 17 de marzo de 2024. Viernes, 15 de marzo de 2024

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic and also the state of the U.S. and world economies

This month Megan talks with John Young, Executive Director of Franciscan Works, a lay-led Catholic organization supporting Liberia Mission, which is a community of love, learning and prayer for poor and orphaned children in Liberia, West Africa. Working together, Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission empower young Liberians to break the cycle of poverty and become faithful future leaders in their families, community and country. Their mission is built upon three pillars: God, Education and Work.

David Warren, filmmaker and Valerie Jennings, Executive Director of the Tolton Spirituality Program, talk about the premiere of Tolton Speaks, the movie about the life and challenges of Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton.

Catholic Charities’ 14 Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Food Centers continue to provide a critical role in Chicago, combining food security with public health services to assist vulnerable young families in economically challenged neighborhoods. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Veola Hankle and Velma Walker to discuss how the WIC Food Centers fulfill basic needs, and much more to families striving for greater stability and future life success.

Tranquility, transformation, and transcendence is what Mary K. Doyle insists you will find when strolling through the 72 poems and photos inspired by the natural treasures found in three Chicago suburban public gardens--Cantigny Park in Wheaton, The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, and Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Joining us for this segment is Mary K. Doyle

What is a vocation? A vocation is, essentially, an occupation. In a religious context, a vocation implies someone has had a divine call to live a religious life. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we all have one calling in our lives: holiness. This means following Jesus to the best of our abilities. However, holiness will look different depending on one’s specific vocation. It’s important to listen and recognize the signs that determine how one answers and finds a place in life. Joining us for this segment is Vocations Director, Fr. Timothy Monahan

Our guests today are Sister Tina Petrick, SND and Sister Linda Pelagio, SND - Sisters of Notre Dame. At age 6, Sr. Tina’s mom predicted that she will be a Sister one day, and true enough, found a home with the SNDs and has also gone on Mission trips to both Uganda and Papua, New Guinea. Sr. Linda became blind at age 6 and overcame many hurdles in life. By the grace of God, she also found a home with the SNDs. Listen or watch their stories unfold March 4 and April 4, 2024.

CRS Rice Bowl Join Raymund Pingoy and Danielle Bodette as they talk about the wonderful gift of what CRS - Rice Bowl brings as a global and local community movement. During our journey through Lent, we have a great opportunity through the Catholic Relief Services - Rice Bowl, to live out our faith in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world. Learn more through: https://crsricebowl.org or through our Archdiocese of Chicago's OHDS CRS Rice Bowl website: https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/catholic-relief-services/crs-rice-bowl