Brother Arnaldo M. Sanchez, OSM is a member of the Friar Servants of Mary. He talks about his vocation journey as a Religious Brother and his “Camino Frances” pilgrimage following one of the interconnected pilgrimage routes in Spain whose ultimate destination is the tomb of the Apostle James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. Bro. Arnaldo currently serves as the Corporate Secretary and Province Treasurer, and is also a councilor on the leadership team of their Province in the USA. Website: www.servite.org. If interested in finding out more about the secular members of the Servites, you may contact Bro. Arnaldo at 773-533-0360 Ext. 212. For more information on joining as a vowed member, contact the Vocation Director, Fr. Donald M. Siple, OSM at 773-533-0360 X 210 or email: [email protected]

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Fr. Kevin Feeney about the Joseph and Mary Retreat House in Mundelein.

Host Fr. Michael Trail talks to his guest, Fr. Fr. John McKenzie from the Archdiocese of Detroit about the vocation of Priesthood in the Black community.

Catholic Charities is privileged to provide hot meals to 130 guests each Tuesday evening in our Vincent Hall at 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago. Our dedicated staff members work with generous volunteers to ensure that these hot meals continue every Tuesday throughout the year. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome ABIGAIL BEHREND, a devoted volunteer and ENRIQUE ALONSO, Catholic Charities Volunteer Engagement Manager to discuss how volunteers continue to work together to nourish and affirm each guest this winter.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Restorative Justice. Host Bob Gilligan talks to Marylou Gervacio with the Catholic Conference of Illinois about the topic of restorative justice. Segment II: Marylou stays on the program to talk to Bob about the upcoming push in Illinois to legalize physician assisted suicide. Segment III: Bob welcomes Karen Potter and Brandon Clark from The Covenant Eyes Podcast to the program.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 5, 1-12a del domingo, 29 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 27 de enero de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakwoicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins our hosts to talk about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the second half of the program the conversation shifts to the problem of mass shootings in the United States

In parishes all over the world, initiation ministers are in the final weeks of preparing for Lent, the period of Purification and Enlightenment for those who are in the process of conversion. These people, who have been accompanied by their parishes in this process of conversion, and who have been formed and molded by the community of faith, will be baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at the Easter Vigil. Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss and explore the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy.

Host Joyce Duriga is joined by Lauretta Froelich from Charismatic Renewal

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Grace Arsenal is a book written by Andy Armstrong about navigating business battlegrounds with grace. Joining us for today’s program is Andy Armstrong.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 12-23 del domingo, 22 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 20 de enero de 2023

Host Beth White talks to her guests Jose Coronel and Shannon Schmidt about building a foundation for evangelization.

Be among the first to explore the latest in automotive innovation at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show by attending First Look for Charity on Friday, February 10. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Bill Montana and Marty Bredemann, Co-Chairman of Catholic Charities’ reception at First Look for Charity to preview this fabulous evening enjoyed by socialites, and car buffs alike! Rose Marie Lesniak-Mendez, Catholic Charities Regional Director of the North/Northwest Regional Office will also join in the conversation to share how the proceeds of First Look for Charity will be used to support Catholic Charities programs throughout Cook and Lake counties this winter.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 29-34 del domingo, 15 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 13 de enero de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The topic of this program is Ecumenism (the movement for Christian Unity) with a focus on the upcoming annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January18-25). Guests: Dan Olsen; Robert Cathey; Susan Pudelek; Jon Nilson

This month Megan talks with Josh Goralski, the founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities, a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers communities in Haiti and beyond with access to eco-friendly products and entrepreneurial opportunities. This work seeks to bring about sustainable social, economic and environmental change. Unlocking Communities partners with faith communities and is inspired by Catholic Social Teachings. Unlocking Communities equips entrepreneurs with the education, funding and tools to sell sustainable products such as a simple water filtration system and clean burning stove.

One of the premier wine-tasting events in Chicago is approaching on Sunday, February 5: Catholic Charities 22nd Annual D’Vine Affair gala. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz, Jr. President of Glunz Wines Import & Distribution House, and Michael Waters, Regional Director of Catholic Charities West Suburban Regional Office to preview this fabulous afternoon at the Union League Club, and hear how the proceeds of this special event will be used to support Catholic Charities programs and services in 2023.

Host Joyce Duriga, Editor of Chicago Catholic newspaper, is joined by Michelle Martin, journalist at Chicago Catholic, and Karen Callaway, photographer at Chicago Catholic. Together they revisit some of the stories that were covered in the newspaper during 2022.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 2, 1-12 del domingo, 8 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 6 de enero de 2023

Our guest, Fr. Mike Scherschel, pastor of St. Hubert Church in Hoffman Estates, IL, talks about how parishes and schools can nurture and support vocations to married, ordained and consecrated life through various events, resources, and programs. In collaboration with CAVA Fr. Mike invited various religious communities to engage with parishioners and also with young people in the same weekend as the parish traditional “Taste of St. Hubert’s” event. Watch the video interview of a young woman whose discernment to religious life has been supported in the parish and has come back to check in as she moves on to the next step in her initial formation with a community that she joined.

Michael Waters and Chris Torres, Regional Directors for Catholic Charities share current and future changes within Catholic Charities to meet the new and emerging needs in the Archdiocese of Chicago. They will discuss their efforts to increase collaboration and partnership with Parishes in Chicago and the suburbs.

Bob Gilligan, Executive Director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois is Dawn’s cohost on today’s program. During the first half of the show,after some brief thoughts on the death of Pope Benedict XVIth they discuss the impending arrival of proponents of Physician Assisted Suicide to the state of Illinois. During the second half of the show, Bob shares potential legislative proposals to beware of during the lame duck session as well as the 2023 legislative session.

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Bobbie Levy and Tanya Woods about the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Visit http://www.knightsofpeterclaverlacourt181.com/

As Catholic Charities expands programming and services on the local, regional level, Communication has been key to keeping all our constituencies informed, and included as the exciting new chapter for Catholic Charities develops. Join Phil Zepeda, Vice President of Communications and Katie Bredemann, Communications Manager as they discuss how various messaging mediums have been refreshed, and enhanced so that clients, volunteers, benefactors, and all other partners obtain the information they seek about Catholic Charities in the most effective ways possible.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 2, 16-21 del domingo, 1 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 30 de diciembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon talks to our hosts about the current state of the Covid-19 Pandemic and gives predictions of world events in 2023.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy airs right in the middle of the Christmas Octave! Hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the Christmas Season, its Feasts and its traditions. They unpack the theology and the spirituality of the season and talk about how these are reflected in the liturgies, music and traditions of Christmas.

In today’s EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT, we feature ANJANETTE NERO who is Catholic Charities dynamic Director of Staff Development and Education. Anjanette also is the very talented Coordinator of The Voices of Charities Choir, a wonderful singing group comprised of Catholic Charities employees that performs for a variety of events for our organization. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anjanette Nero to discuss her career at Catholic Charities, and perform several Christmas songs to celebrate the season.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 1-18 del domingo, 25 de diciembre de 2022. Viernes, 23 de diciembre de 2022

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Bobbie Levy, Tanya Woods and Louis Mauldin about the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary and the Archbishop James P. Lyke African American Male Image Awards. Visit http://www.knightsofpeterclaverlacourt181.com/

The year 2022 has been historic in a number of ways for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann for this special Year In Review show as they welcome Gina Cleggs, Senior Vice-President of Seniors and Housing, and Mary Anzilotti, Senior Vice-President of Immediate Access and Basic Needs to discuss how Catholic Charities emerged from the pandemic with new initiatives that enhance our service to clients, and provide a wide range of opportunities to all those who would like to partner with us in helping our neighbors in need throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Assisted Suicide. Maria Jose Fernandez Flores discusses with Bob the potential of assisted suicide coming to Illinois and how her organization is helping prepare discussion and talking points to use when speaking to legislators on this subject. Segment II: Abortion. Guest Mary Bauer, CNM, talks about the response she helped author to the Notre Dame Op Ed in the Chicago Tribune. Segment III: Catholic Charities. Guest Amy Palumbo talks to Bob about how Catholic Charities helps clients during the holidays, which is a time that can be particularly difficult for those who struggle to provide for their families and those who are estranged from their families.

Deacon Tom Lambert and Tracy Sherva with the Chicago Archdiocese Commission on Mental Illness share with Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic the challenges of mental illness ministry and how some parishes in the archdiocese are working together to increase awareness in their communities.

As we unpacked our wonderful interview with Dan Pietroske and Maggie McQuaid, we discovered that the one dominant theme in their marriage has been their "total commitment." Starting their married life in their 40's, they faced unique challenges which they faced with openness, readiness to listen to each other, and growing up. They were able to overcome these challenges because of their strong foundation in the Catholic faith.

This month Megan talks with Fr. Rodlin Rodrigue, Associate Pastor at St. Raymond de Peñafort Parish in Mount Prospect as well as Founder and President of Sapaterre Misson, a Haitian founded NGO and its U.S. charity counterpart, Children Hispaniola. Fr. Rodlin explains how he was inspired to help the rural community of Sapaterre and eventually engaged others in this work too. Megan asks about the accomplishments of this mission and their future plans.

Christ the King Jesuit College Prep in the city's Austin neighborhood has created a state-of-the-art innovation lab and makers space to help prepare its students for the next generation of jobs. Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews Clement Martin, president of CTK, about the new center and how it benefits the students, many of whom will be the first in their families to go to college.

Catholic Charities Junior Board continues to welcome new members - young professionals from Chicago and its suburbs who enjoy spending time together and finding innovative ways to support our mission. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes new Junior Board Co-Presidents Brady Dearlove and Mary Margaret Parker to discuss recent Junior Board activities and the plans that are underway to invite even more young adults to learn about this dynamic group in 2023.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Damian School Hosted a Culture Fair. Guests: Jennifer Jermano Miller, Gail Werr. Segment II: St. Procopius School Wins National Spanish Spelling Bee. Guests: Dr. Robert Bassett Jr., Ana Gonzalez

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 11, 2-11 del domingo, 11 de diciembre de 2022. Viernes, 9 de diciembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The 16th Annual Posada Seeking Immigration Reform will take place on Friday, December 16th. All are welcome to walk and pray in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers who— as the Holy Family sought a place to stay—have been knocking on the doors for legislative shelter, or “Posada,” year after year. This year Pastoral Migratoria from the Archdiocese of New York and the Archdiocese of Baltimore will join us simultaneously to elevate our voices for immigration reform. Joining us for this first half hour is Mark Goebel and Mauro Pineda. Segment II: The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines is hosting Guadalupanas celebrations this weekend. Joining us for this segment is Very Reverend Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Today on Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray talk with Mauro Pineda and Hueget Gonzolez about the upcoming multi-diocese Posada that will take place downtown on December 16th. Listen to hear the Mexican tradition and history of the event and the beautiful opportunity to live in solidarity with our Immigrant brothers and sisters in the spirit of Mary and Joseph’s trek to find a place to lay their heads as they traveled to the census. On the second half of the show, Dawn and Ray reminisce about his last 14+ years as an integral part of the Respect Life Office and his quest to share the beautiful words of Saint John Paul II through the lens of Theology of the Body. Join in for some great stories.

Among Catholic Charities 1200 employees is a group of Sisters who represent the Congregation of Albertine Sisters Serving the Poor. The Albertine Sisters are incredibly dedicated to their work, and they inspire everyone at Catholic Charities with their joyful, selfless way of life, and their deep religious faith. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sr. Kate, Sr. Nikola and Sr. Benji to discuss the vital work the Sisters of Albertine do at Catholic Charities, and how their commitment to service reflects their desire to be united with God.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 3, 1-12 del domingo, 4 de diciembre de 2022. Viernes, 2 de diciembre de 2022

Brother John Eustice, CSV from the Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator) talks about his vocation journey as being “on the way” discerning to join his community as a religious brother and later discerning a call to priesthood. He reports on the November 12/13 weekend event: “A Taste of St. Hubert’s” at St. Hubert Parish (Fr. Mike Scherschel, pastor) in Hoffman Estates, IL celebrating the diversity of the parish and highlighting vocation awareness as several consecrated religious join in the festivities. Br. John invites all to a “Come and Be” weekend at Maternity BVM parish in Bourbonnais, IL 308 E Marsile St, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 on December 10/11, 2022. He encourages everyone to join in making vocation awareness an important part of young people’s lives. For resources, visit https://www.vocationscava.org/ or https://nrvc.net/. To contact Br. John or his assistant: Tel. 847-894-8537 | Email: [email protected] Or Mr. Dan Masterton [email protected]

Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s liaison for Renew My Church, discusses the Spiritual Renewal required to create vibrant and sustainable parishes. After seven years of structural change, Fr. Jason share the steps that are being taken as disciples of Christ to create a spiritual renewal within our parishes and the Archdiocese.

In 2017, Catholic Charities was asked by the City of Chicago to help initiate a program called CPS-FIT that identifies and assists families with children in the Chicago Public School System who are living in “temporary housing situations.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes SHARON LOVE, Department Director for Permanent, Supportive Housing, and HERMESE BRYANT, an accomplished Housing Case Manager to discuss how CPS-FIT, along with other Homelessness Prevention programs helps families establish safe homes and begin to achieve their dreams.

Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews John O’Malley, longtime director of legal services for the archdiocese and now special counsel, about the formation of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s policies to protect children from clergy sexual abuse that also laid the foundation for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. They discuss the history of these protections, lessons learned and today’s practices.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On the first Sunday of Advent, Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry launched a daily internet video series entitled Ornaments of Grace. It profiles Saints and saints - people who have lived the gospel in an extraordinary way. Joining us for the first half of today’s program to talk about Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry and Ornaments of Grace are Fr. J. Michael Sparough and Deacon Mark Duffey. Segment II: The Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House is located on 80 acres of gently rolling meadows and wooded countryside just 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Fr. J. Michael Sparough stays with us for this segment and he is joined by Tom Cattapan to talk about how retreats are a great way to enhance our spiritual lives.

In Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter he addresses the “art of celebrating” – the ars celebrandi, in Latin. He writes that celebrating the Liturgy is an art, and that all of us need to master that art. In other words, we don’t mindlessly “go through the motions” of the Liturgy. Rather, we are called to enter into the liturgy with full conscientiousness and awareness. Hosts Timothy Johnston, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss and explore the “art of celebrating the Liturgy.”

Host Fr. Michael Trail speaks with Fr. Chris Krymski, OSM - Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica about the Black Catholic ministry at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica.