Even for many well-intentioned Catholics, it is easy to be seduced by our secular culture which promotes a culture of death more than a culture of life. In today's show, we are joined by Mary Jo DiRe and Cecilia Klein, two very active women in Respect Life ministry. With their great insights, we delve into ways that families can promote a culture of life consistent with the authentic teaching of the church, instilling in their children a foundational respect for all life.

Host Clarissa Aljentera speaks with guest Yesenia Maldonado, Director of Social Emotional Learning with the Office of Catholic Schools. They talk about ways that parents can take care of themselves and their families during the pandemic.

Through more than 150 programs at over 170 locations, Catholic Charities serves people in need on a one-to-one basis, allocating staffing and resources to ensure that our guests receive assistance, and have access to professional guidance toward a better life. We occasionally are asked to share what we know with economists who also are working to eradicate poverty. The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is one of these research labs, and Catholic Charities is tremendously grateful for this partnership, and its significant findings that have been hugely beneficial to our work. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jim Sullivan and Wendy Avila to discuss how statistics are used to reduce poverty and homelessness on the local, state and national level.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. Damian School's Creative Teachers. Guests: Jennifer Miller; Lynn Kingsbury; Gail Werr; Josua. Segment II: Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools are 2020 National Blue Ribbon Award Recipients. Guest: Mike Kendrick.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22, 1-14, del domingo, 11 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 9 de octubre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The 9th annual Mass for Hope and Healing is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10am. The Mass has been hosted by the Office of Assistance Ministry which was created in 1992 to support the healing and reconciliation of victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Guests: Michael Hoffman; Thomas Tharayil. Segment II: The Great Chicago Fire is a Chicago Stories original documentary that premieres Friday, October 9th at 8 pm on WTTW. It explores how Chicagoans faced destruction, rebuilt the city and prepared it for a thriving future. It also examines the anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment of the time that lead Mrs. Catherine O'leary to be unfairly blamed for the blaze. Guest: Dan Protess

On Today’s Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray continue the theme of Wednesday Catechesis by delving further into the reflection on “Original Man” by unpacking the theme of Original Nakedness/Innocence. In the second half of the show, they welcome Mauro Pineda from Immigration Ministries to talk about the event “Keep Hope Alive” on October 29. They also discuss Faithful Citizenship and our call as Baptized Catholic Christians to witness to our faith in the public square and on election Day. Finally, Dawn and Ray review the theme of Respect Life Month – Live the Gospel of Life, and they provide an overview of opportunities to get involved in Respect Life Month and to stand up for life, and all that means, for the coming year.

In Fiscal Year 2018, over 17, 000 reports of abuse were made in the state of Illinois involving seniors and disabled adults. These include numerous types of abuse, neglect, deprivation, confinement, and financial exploitation. Statistics from Catholic Charities Adult Protective Services are part of this statewide tally. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Bette MacLennan to discuss how Catholic Charities investigates and intervenes, as needed, to assist seniors and disabled adults when abuse concerns are brought to our attention.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Bishop elect Fr. Jeffrey Grob. Segment II: Bishop elect Fr. Bob Lombardo, CFR. Segment III: Bishop elect Fr. Kevin Birmingham.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi speak with the HIV/AIDS liaison for Catholic Charities, Pat Drott. Dr. Mary Amore with Mayslake Ministries talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about needs and opportunities for people to seek spiritual direction during these turbulent times. The Voice of Charity responds to the opioid crisis in Illinois with Shavon Parker and the Transforming Lives Program. And the Deacons talk about the spiritual value of work on Diakonia.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 21, 33-43, del domingo, 4 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 2 de octubre de 2020

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD gives an update on how his vocation ministry team has collaborated with the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in providing discernment programs during the pandemic and how his community continues to work on JPIC – Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation globally and the ongoing conversation to confront racism and systemic injustice. Fr. Adam also talks about the joyous experience of harvesting the fruits of his vocation ministry labors while witnessing the ordination of Fr. Marlon Vargas, SVD, “Pinoy” priest from the Philippines. Contact the congregation at: www.svdvocations.org

Deacons Dennis Robak and James Norman, who are both employed by the Archdiocese of Chicago, join co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic on the October 1, 2020 broadcast for a discussion on the spiritual value of work. The deacons explore the meaning, purpose and theology of work, how it ties into Catholic Social Teaching and how attitudes shape our views of the kind of work we’re doing. Tune into this conversation to learn how everyone’s seemingly “ordinary” work can really be participating in the creative work of God.

Opioids are a class of drugs that relieve pain. In Illinois, opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000 people since 2008, and the annual total has been increasing every year. The opioid crisis is now being called the most significant public health and public safety crisis in Illinois. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Shavon Parker to discuss Catholic Charities Transforming Lives Program, and the many ways it helps expectant women and mothers of young children who are battling this addiction and working towards their own recovery.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Pat Drott, the HIV/AIDS Liaison for Catholic Charities, joins us to talk about the ongoing outreach to the HIV community, and to discuss the upcoming annual Walk-Run to raise funds to help their much-needed ministry. Segment II: Dr. Mary Amore, Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, joins us to talk about needs and opportunities for people to seek spiritual direction in these turbulent times.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan visits with Sr. Stephanie Baliga of the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels about how she ran a marathon on a treadmill. Bob also talks with Aid for Women Board Member Molly Perry about their upcoming virtual benefit dinner. Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy of Catholic Charities talks with Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Carla Gutierrez about the Lake County Family Self-Sufficiency Program. And Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Tim Johnson of Liturgy Training Publications have a lively liturgical discussion on Focus on the Liturgy.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 21, 28-32, del domingo, 27 de septiembre de 2020. Viernes, 25 de septiembre de 2020

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) pick up their periodic series of looking at various parts of the Mass. In this broadcast they explore the first part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist - the preparatory rites. From the presentation of the gifts and the preparation of the altar, through the preparatory prayers and the prayers over the gifts, they discuss and unpack the actions and the texts of the ritual, uncovering a rich and profound theology and spirituality.

In anticipation of Catholic Charities 20th Annual D’Vine Affair, set for January 31, 2021, people throughout Chicagoland are scheduling Virtual Wine-Tasting Parties this fall, courtesy of Louis Glunz Wines, Inc. These are fantastic kickoff events that allow friends and families to have wonderful virtual celebrations while supporting our four Self-Sufficiency programs at the same time. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Carla Gutierrez to discuss the Lake County Family Self-Sufficiency Program and how funds from these virtual events are especially important this year

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Gloria Purvis, co-host of EWTN Radio's Morning Glory Show, is calling on peole of all faiths -- and especially Catholics -- to confront the sin of racism in the aftermath of George Floyd's death. Segment II: State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, discusses the efforts of the Illinois Legislature's Black Caucus to craft comprehensive legislation targeting systemic racism slated to be unveiled during the six-day fall veto session set for late November and early December. Segment III: Sr. Stephanie Baliga, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist of Chicago who ministers from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in Chicago,ran a marathon on a treadmill in late August to raise funds for the Mission. Segment IV: Molly Perry, Aid for Women board member, talks about the organization's virtual annual benefit dinner on October 7 featuring retired Super-Bowl champion Benjamin Watson as the keynote speaker.

St. Francis de Sales High Schools welcomes a new principal and CEO on Catholic Schools Today. The Voice of Charity highlights pop-up food pantries. And we hear from a missionary who serves in Jamaica on Mission Matters.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 20, 1-16A, del domingo, 20 de septiembre de 2020. Viernes, 18 de septiembre de 2020

Megan speaks with Fr. Colin King, a Franciscan Friar on mission in the Diocese of Montego Bay in Jamaica. Fr. Colin is a pastor of two parishes and recently was named vicar of education for this rural diocese as well. He describes life in the Caribbean, and how COVID-19 has affected the local communities. He shares some of the ongoing ministry and social service needs. Megan inquires about what it means to be a Franciscan missionary. How does the life of St. Francis inform being a missionary disciple?

Joe and Siobhan Haugh are a lovely couple that we interviewed back in February, just as news of the virus spreading throughout China was hitting the world. Similar to our current pandemic, our interview with the Haughs also taught us that ultimately, we are not in control. The greater flexibility we can have in the plans we make, the more successful we can be in our relationships. While Joe and Sibohan recognized the need in their busy lives to prioritize finding time to be together, their involvement in their parish and communities also highlighted the mutual benefits that flow from having a positive impact on more than just one another.

On the Way focused on hospitality and how we can live this crucial aspect of our faith out during the pandemic precautions. Hospitality is even more important now as people are left without usual connections to communities and relationships. The stress and fatigue of the pandemic, particularly for those in at risk communities and working in front line fields, invite us to reconsider how to be hospitable. The first guest to join host Jenn Delvaux is Jane Angha, Director of Ministry Blueprints, a company that teaches, trains and equips people, parishes and teams in hospitality, welcome and innovation. The discussion explores the foundations of hospitality and the need for it in the unique circumstances we are in now. The second guest is Kathy McNichols, the Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education at Incarnation Parish in Crestwood. With examples from Kathy’s parish and Jane’s ministry, creative ways to live your call to hospitality are shared.

In recent years, Pop-Up stores have become a smart and effective way to market goods and services. This year, Catholic Charities administrators have used this concept, and worked with our parish partners to assist those who have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Marilu Gonzalez and Dominic Fejer to discuss how Pop-Up Food Pantries have helped thousands of people provide food for their families during COVID-19.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I; Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update about Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. Segment II: St. Francis de Sales High School's New Principal/CEO. Guest: Roni Facen. Segment III: Immaculate Conception School Goes Back to School. Guests: Sr. Claudia Carrillo; Silvia Gonzalez.

Catholic Charities Post Adoption Services helps people from all over the country learn more about their ancestry. The Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago sponsor an annual sunrise prayer service to pray for the end to the violence in our neighborhoods and the protection of our children as a new school begins. And the Illinois chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is sponsoring a virtual lecture series called Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 18, 21-35, del domingo, 13 de septiembre de 2020. Viernes, 11 de septiembre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: "No Ways Tired" is a drive-in parking lot prayer service, sponsored by the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago. Every year the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago hold a sunrise prayer service to pray for the end to the violence in our neighborhoods and the protection of our children as a new school year begins. This year with the Covid-19 pandemic, the prayer service will be held in the parking lot of St. Katharine Drexel parish. Guests: Deacon LeRoy Gill; Deacon William Pouncy. Segment II: The Illinois chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is sponsoring a virtual lecture series called Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration. The first virtual event will take place at Holy Name Cathedral on October 1st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Guests: Anne Shea; Fr. Lou Cameli.

From 1881-1972, St. Vincent’s Orphanage provided assistance to thousands of women, children and adoptive families out of 721 N LaSalle Street in Chicago. Today, that same building is Catholic Charities headquarters, where life-affirming work continues on a nonstop basis. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Lisa Francis and Maureen Roche to discuss Catholic Charities Post Adoption Services that helps people from all of the country learn more about their ancestry, and their time at St. Vincent’s.

Sr. Helen Prejean, best known for her 1993 memoir Dead Man Walking, talks about her latest book, River of Fire. Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS support services and the 2020 AIDS Run & Walk, Chicago are discussed on the Voice of Charity. Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations Director, Fr. Timothy Monahan is a guest on Dare to Love. And the deacons discuss Charismatic prayer on Diakonia.

Fr. Timothy Monahan, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides some updates on seminarians in initial formation and shares helpful tips for those recognizing a call from God and how to invite and encourage them. For more information and for upcoming events, visit Fr. Timothy Monahan, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides some updates on seminarians in initial formation and shares helpful tips for those recognizing a call from God and how to invite and encourage them. For more information and for upcoming events, visit www.chicagopriest.com

The September 3, 2020 broadcast has co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discussing charismatic prayer with Deacon Lou and Ann Riccio. The Riccios have been part of the charismatic movement for many years. They share the wisdom, the experiences and the blessings they have received in connection with prayer submitted to and wholly guided by the Holy Spirit. This is a terrific introduction to the Catholic understanding of charismatic prayer. A wealth of resources is also available at the Archdiocese’s Charismatic Renewal website--http://chicagorenewal.org/.

Dawn and Ray continue their discussion of St. JPII's Theology of the Body by unpacking a part of our anthropology known as "Original Man." Halfway through the hour, they welcome Mark Goebel, from the office of Human Dignity and Solidarity to discuss Immigration Ministries and an upcoming fundraiser. And during the last segment, they preview the Respect Life Program and its theme, "Living the Gospel of Life," that will be introduced to our parishes in October.

Catholic Charities has been helping clients with HIV/AIDS since the 1980s. We now know much more about this disease that attacks a person’s auto-immune system, but it continues to be a very serious struggle for all those affected by it. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Pat Drott and one of our clients to discuss Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS support services and the 2020 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Medard Laz, a prolific author now living in Florida, talks about his website, Treats for the Soul, and his latest book, The Gathering: Jesus and Abortion, A Story for Our Time. Segment II: Well-known author Sr. Helen Prejean discusses her latest book, River of Fire, in which she writes about how Vatican II changed life for many in religious orders. Sr. Helen Prejean is best known for her 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, about her role as a spiritual adviser to a convicted killer on death row.

Sr. Stephanie Baliga talks about her treadmill marathon to raise funds for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park. The disproportionate rate of Covid-19 infections in the Latinx and Black communities is discussed on the Voice of Charity. We hear uplifting music from the St. Agatha Contemporary Gospel Choir. And we learn about an organization called Unlocking Communities, a group that equips entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 16, 21-27, del domingo, 30 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 28 de agosto de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The St. Agatha Gospel Choir has a New Contemporary Gospel CD, "It's Over, It's Alright." Guests: Fr. Larry Dowling; Dennis Smith. Segment II: Josh Goralski heads up an organization called Unlocking Communities. From that group's website: "We equip entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities."

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) return to a periodic look at a particular part of the Church’s liturgy. Here they spend the hour exploring the Liturgy of the Word. They look at the theology and spirituality of the Liturgy of Word, its role, its purpose and the image of it being a “dialogue between God and his people” (Saint John Paul II).

In Lake County, a disproportionate number of Latinx and Black residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Cary Rositas-Sheftel and Cynthia Vargas to discuss how community partners in Lake County are working together on innovative projects to address this critical matter, and educate people on how they can help stop the spread of the virus.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Stephanie Baliga is one of the very dedicated Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago who can be found helping people in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood through the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels. On August 23, Sr. Stephanie ran an entire marathon...on a treadmill. The former long-distance runner at the University of Illinois now runs for God, and she was raising funds for the Mission. Segment II: As Catholic schools reopen for the new school year, social and emotional learning has become a focus. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Guests: Yesenia Maldonado; Rana Brizgys; Jonna Koenitzer

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan talks with Matt Dietrich with the Illinois State Board of Elections about “vote-by-mail”. We hear about how regional food pantries are faring during the Covid-19 pandemic on the Voice of Charity. And Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandra Labouvie return from hiatus to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has adjusted our priorities on Built on the Rock.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 16, 13-20, del domingo, 23 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 21 de agosto de 2020

Megan Mio, Coordinator in the Mission Office, talks with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Trevor Alexander, Senior Pastor of True Vine Church and Protestant Chaplain at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. They discuss two forms of division: the separation of Christian churches and the reality of racism. Bishop Trevor speaks about his ecumenical ministry at the University and his passion for global mission. Noting that racism impacts our faith and daily lives, he also reflects on how to struggle with the sin of racism.

In recent months, we have found ourselves living through an unfamilair reality that seems to have settled in far longer than any of us could ever have expected. In this episode, Fr. Britto and Sandra encourage listeners to be intentional about employing some of the positive lessons learnt during this difficult time. Rather than focusing on returning to what we once were, let us return to what we should have been all along.

On the Way focuses on two books by two different authors to help us grow as individuals and as communities of disciples. We cannot give what we do not have and continuing to grow in our relationship with Jesus is a focus of this show. The first guest who joins Beth White, is Joshua Danis, the National Director of Alpha in the Catholic Context. Josh has written a book, “Living the Fruit of the Spirit: How God’s Grace Can Transform Your World,” out of his experience of having people encounter Jesus. Written prior to the pandemic, this book, which is available through Word Among Us Press, focuses on the ways in which we can grow in the fruits of the spirit so that we can attract and witness to the Gospel with our lives. By reflecting on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we can all grow in these fruits throughout our journey. To get your copy of the book visit The Word Among Us. Our second guest is Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Robin, who has taught Christology for years, has developed a book to help readers connect head knowledge of Jesus with heart knowledge. His newest book, “Gazing on His Face: A Christ-Centered Spirituality,” will be available through Paulist Press later this fall. The book starts with reflecting on our friendship with Christ and uses different titles of Christ to help us get to know who Jesus is in Scripture, Tradition, and in our own lives. While waiting for his newest book, you may consider a more dense, but timely book, “God and the Mystery of Human Suffering: A Theological Conversation Across the Ages..”

Catholic Charities recently released updated statistics showing, among other things that our nine food pantries are currently serving an average of 1400 households per week. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Mike Waters and Claudia Andrade to discuss how Catholic Charities regional offices are creatively working with staff, volunteers, parishes and food vendors to ensure that these increased needs are met, while following all COVID-19 safety protocols.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dr. Michael Boyle, new superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Joliet diocese, talks about his new role. Segment II: Matt Dietrich, spokesperson for the Illinois State Board of Elections, talks about vote-by-mail for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. Segment III: Tony Cube of the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants Campaign talks about the federal government's recent changes to DACA after losing an effort to rescind the program following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Segment IV: Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of the Hallow Catholic meditation and prayer app, talks about the origin of the app and how it just reached the status of #1 Catholic app.