St. Sabina Parish is a key service site for Catholic Charities. In addition to operating a food pantry and nearby WIC center, St. Sabina parishioners generously work with Catholic Charities staff to ensure that programs and services are available to those who need them. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Fitzgerald Craan, Regional Operations Director at the St. Sabina Campus to discuss recent events that have uplifted the community and provided assistance to vulnerable residents.

Deacon David Keene is a canon lawyer who serves as chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, but he also holds a doctorate in archeology and is an expert in the exhumation of human remains. Before he retired, federal, state, county and local officials regularly called him when remains were found and needed to be preserved or relocated. The archdiocese called on him to conduct the exhumation of the remains of Venerable Father Augustus Tolton in 2016. He also led the 2021 exhumation of Father Patrick Ryan, whose canonization cause is underway in the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee. He recently sat down with editor Joyce Duriga to talk about the church’s history of preserving relics of saints and the exhumation of Father Tolton.

Catholic Charities is always thankful for the time and generosity that volunteers offer in support of our mission. When teenagers and their families create and implement an innovative, new program to assist our guests, we are especially impressed, and grateful. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Perry Harig, Nick Bobay, Leo Baumann, Jen Bobay, Laura Trevino and Rose Marie Lesniak Mendez to discuss the impact that the Sandwich Squad has had at Catholic Charities over the past four years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 18, 21-35, del domingo, 17 de septiembre 2023. Viernes, 15 de agosto de 2023

This month Megan meets Fr. Pontian Kaweesa, the National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies in Uganda, and a priest of the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana. He has a local connection in Chicago because he studied at Mundelein Seminary. He tells Megan about the deep and vibrant faith of the people and he shares a little of the history and the present work of the Church to build peace and dignity for God's people. He also reflects on the work of mission and how every one of us is called to be missionary disciples.

Catholic Charities’ parish and school partners have come together in recent days in a wonderful Back to School Project. Nearly 1,800 new backpacks were donated, filled with essential school supplies and distributed to students in economically vulnerable families who can now start the new school year with tools they need for academic success. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Christopher Torres, Peggy Johnson, and Julia Burkhardt to discuss this and other ways Catholic Charities continues to expand its outreach in communities across Cook and Lake counties.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 18, 15-20, del domingo, 10 de septiembre de 2023. Viernes, 8 de septiembre de 2023

Ted Wampham, Dean of the school of Parish Leadership and Evangelization at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake shares his background and how the changes occurring at the University will help build a renewed Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

In today’s Dare to Love, the first segment presents a video interview with Liz Hughes, Executive Director of Franciscan Misson Service (FMS) who talks about the history and purpose of FMS, their programs, and the people of all ages involved in FMS. The second segment is a tribute to the memory of Fr. Mike Scherschel who served as pastor for St. Hubert’s and St. Matthew until he passed away on August 10. Fr. Mike was a member of the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA) for many years, most of which he served as a CAVA Board member. Sr. Lovina, along with guests Br. John Eustice, CSV, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, and Sr. Michele Fisher, CSFN (via a recorded video clip) share some words to honor their friend and colleague on behalf of CAVA.

Today on Fully Alive, Ray Pingoy is joined in by Mauro Pineda and Peter Duff to talk about the National Migration Week and the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Our Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The second segment of the show highlights the upcoming Respect Life Month. Our guest, Maria Goldstein, has been championing the Respect Life message in her parish. She shares many ideas with us as we prepare for the upcoming Respect Life Month in October. Let us continue to build up a Culture of Life!

Editor Joyce Duriga interviews Sue Olafson, executive director of Hope Ministries, about the House of Hope Resale Shop that has raised over $600,000 this year to support outreach efforts at St. Anne Parish in Barrington.

Catholic Charities’ headquarters at 721 North LaSalle Street previously was a loving home called St. Vincent’s Orphanage. Due to the dedication of the Daughters of Charity religious order, St. Vincent’s served more than 60,000 women, children and families from 1881-1972, and our Post Adoption Services continues to welcome back all those who spent time there as infants, parents, staff, and volunteers. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Pat Conway and Lisa Francis to discuss the journey many adults embark on to learn more about their heritage, and the upcoming St. Vincent’s Reunion.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 16, 21-27, del domingo, 3 de septiembre de 2023. Viernes, 1 de septiembre de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on where things stand with the Covid-19 pandemic, health care issues, and the economy.

The Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program run by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services to provide paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development. Catholic Charities is an authorized agent, working with a non-profit called Future Ties to enrich the lives of 60 participants in this program. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Johnita Lindsey and Jennifer Maddox to discuss all of the progress made in the Chicago Youth Service Corps since it was started in 2020.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Do Not Discard is a new book by Chicago author, Marlene Byrne, based on the true-life story of Sam, an orphan who was thrown in the trash as an infant. The book chronicles Sam’s story from a garbage dump in El Salvador as he rises above adversity in an orphanage and the streets of El Salvador to arrive in Chicago. Joining us for the first half of today’s program is Marlene Byrne. Segment II: A Form of sacred art is the icon. An icon is a type of religious artwork, often a two-dimensional painting on wood, that is common in religious devotion. While icons are most frequently associated with Eastern Christianity, they are no uncommon in the Latin Church. Joining us for the second half of today’s program is Iconographer Joseph Malham.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 16, 13-20, del domingo, 27 de agosto de 2023. Viernes, 25 de agosto de 2023

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: On Saturday, Aug. 26, the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago hosted the annual Sunrise Prayer Service at 6:30 a.m. at Oakwood Beach to pray for peace. The prayer service was followed by a Peace Fellowship Breakfast and Symposium at Our Lady of Africa, 613 E. Oakwood Blvd., Chicago. Guests: Deacon LeRoy Gill and Deacon William Pouncy. Segment II: Food deserts can be described as geographic areas where residents' access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance. Joining us now to continue a discussion we began in June about the issue of food deserts in the city are Larry Campbell, Dwight Hearns, and Sandra Botello

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the rites that prepare us to enter into various parts of the celebration of the Mass. They explore the rites that prepare us at the very beginning of Mass to enter into the great Mystery of the Liturgy – the Penitential Act and the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water. They also spend time unpacking the rites that prepare us to specifically enter into the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass.

Host Joyce Duriga talks with Fr. Carl Morello, Pastor of both Ascension-St. Edmund and St. Catherine of Sienna-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish, also in Oak Park, and Celine Woznica from Ascension-St. Edmund Parish in Oak Park, about the work being done in welcoming the stranger as they accompany migrant families who are trying to find a better life.

Mr. Samuel Grimes worked for 25 years as a volunteer, then an employee for Catholic Charities. He served as a driver, bringing noontime meals to homebound seniors in the northwest suburbs. Each visit also served as a Wellness Check, and Mr. Grimes was known for caring deeply about the seniors on his route, going above and beyond his responsibilities to brighten their day and extend kindness and assistance to them. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Mr. Samuel Grimes, and Catholic Charities staff members Donna Schultz and Spencer Harstead to celebrate and thank this exceptional volunteer.

Segment 1: Migrant Crisis Response In Chicago Segment 2: Status of SB1909 Segment 3: Food Insecurity in Ukraine

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 15, 21-28, del domingo, 20 de agosto de 2023. Viernes, 18 de agosto de 2023

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie refect on their conversation last month with Eric and Megan Weber.

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik continue their discussion bout Companions of Christ.

Host Beth White talks with Evangelization Coordinators about the Office of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship.

Part Two of a conversation that started earlier this month. Susan Flansburg, author of Feels Like Home: A Single Catholic Woman's Guide to Religious Life in the U.S. talks about her new book written for those discerning a vocation as a religious Sister. In this book, Susan provides practical information based on over 20 years of experience working with a religious community and interviewing and consulting with vocation directors and many religious Sisters and nuns. This is a book that vocation ministers, pastors, campus ministers, teachers, and parents must get into the hands of women who are considering the vocation of a religious Sister. Available for purchase on https://Amazon.com.

Launched from a small storefront in 2002, the Peace Corner Youth Center was envisioned as a safe haven for youth in the Austin neighborhood on the westside of Chicago. Today the Peace Corner is operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and it has grown into a full-service community center with a computer lab, classrooms and a wide range of activities and recreational sports. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Jonathan McDonald, Kevin Allen and Josiah Allen to discuss how the Peace Corner thrives as a supportive environment in which youth learn the skills they need to be successful in life.

In the first part of tis program, Jennifer Farrand and Cassandra Thornton from the Academy of St. Benedict the African talk about getting ready for the upcoming school year, and their annual First Responders BBQ. Then Rose Carbone, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisitions, talks about employment opportunities in Chicago's Catholic Schools.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 14, 22-33, del domingo, 13 de agosto de 2023. Viernes, 11 de agosto de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Knights of Columbus, St. Michael the Archangel Council 12173, is the only police Knights of Columbus Police Council. As the group that sets up and maintains the Nativity Scene in Daily Plaza at Christmastime, they have earned the nickname, “The God Squad”,. Our guests in Studio for the full hour – Dennis Fitzgerald, William “Bill” Warnock, both retired Chicago police officers.

This month Megan sits down with Vincentian missionary, Fr. Jaroslav Jasso. He is living and working in Madagascar, an island nation just off the southeast coast of the African continent. Megan is glad to welcome Fr. Jaroslav back to Chicago, as he is here making mission appeals again. Fr. Jaroslav explains that climate change has affected the communities who are unable to support themselves without water and fertile land. He describes the hopes and plans of the Vincentians to help people irrigate for fruitful farming, build simple homes for refugees and very simply offer food to starving families.

Host Joyce Duriga spends time talking with Bishop Joseph Perry about how the Church is working to confront racism.

As Catholic Charities expands its programs and services on the local, regional level, each regional office increases in importance as a vital center of client activity, and program operations. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Michael Waters, the Regional Director of Catholic Charities West Suburban Cook region to discuss how his office is working with parishes, schools, and other community groups to support residents who are struggling throughout this large geographic area.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. On today's program, Fr. Lou Cameli and Michele Sotak join our hosts to continue the discussion of Faith and Fitness.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 17, 1-9, del domingo, 6 de agosto de 2023. Viernes, 4 de agosto de 2023

Susan Flansburg, author of Feels Like Home: A Single Catholic Woman's Guide to Religious Life in the U.S. talks about her new book written for those discerning a vocation as a religious Sister. In this book, Susan provides practical information based on over 20 years of experience working with a religious community and interviewing and consulting with vocation directors and many religious Sisters and nuns. This is a book that vocation ministers, pastors, campus ministers, teachers, and parents must get into the hands of women who are considering the vocation of a religious Sister. Available for purchase on https://Amazon.com.

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik talk about Companions of Christ.

Host Fr. Michael Trail and Fr. Matt O'Donnell talk about the experience of attending the National Black Catholic Congress.

CC Renews is a Catholic Charities Counseling Program that helps people of all ages who have had more than one traumatic experience in their lives. Through counseling and case management, as needed, participants receive assistance from compassionate, experienced professionals to plan for a healthier path forward. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Carla Gutierrez and Daisy Gonzalez to discuss this specialized approach to counseling.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 13, 44-52, del domingo, 30 de julio de 2023. Viernes, 28 de julio de 2023

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: In August of 2023, the Parliament of the World’s Religions returns to the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement after 30 years away to celebrate 130 years of history in the city of Chicago. Parliament Convenings attract participants from more than 200 diverse religious, indigenous, and secular beliefs and more than 80 nations. Joining us in studio for the first half of today’s program to talk about the Parliament of the World’s Relitions are Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek from the Office For Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. Segment II: St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish, located in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, is hosting street Masses every Tuesday and Thursday evening through the beginning of August to bring the Gospel message of peace and hope to the community and to pray for an end to violence. Joining us for this half of today’s program are Fr. Marco Franco Luna and Tony Velasco.

July is traditionally known as the Month of the Precious Blood. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the Precious Blood of Christ. They explore not only the Eucharistic Theology, but also the liturgical dynamic of sharing in the Precious Blood and Communion from the chalice.

Host Joyce Duriga talks to Vince Gerasole about his career in the media and his current role as Director of Multi Media Content at the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Welcome the Stranger is a Catholic Charities initiative, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Chicago to help the 10,000 asylum seekers who have arrived in our city in recent months through a coordinated, Catholic response that is offered along with initiatives from the City of Chicago and other human service organizations. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Rose Marie Lesniak-Mendez and Griselda Garibay to discuss additional Welcome the Stranger updates and how St. Barnabas Parish is generously embracing this call for charitable assistance.

Vicki Quade plays Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun? with Fr. Greg and Mark.

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie spend time talking with Eric and Megan Weber about how their faith impacts their relationship.

Host Beth White talks to her guests about Evangelization and the Black Catholic reality.

Catholic Charities Counseling Programs help clients deal with a wide variety of mental health concerns. Through counseling and case management, children and adults receive assistance from compassionate, experienced professionals to identify root causes and plan for a more positive path forward. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Ellen Tannenbaum and Laura Caballero to discuss how our Counseling programs are having a positive impact in many people’s lives across Cook and Lake counties.

Segment 1: SCOTUS 303 Creative Case Segment 2: Tax Credit Scholarship Program - Invest In Kids Segment 3: Physician Assisted Suicide