Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 11-17 del domingo, 23 de junio de 2019. Viernes, 21 de junio de 2019.

The first years of marriage can be challenging as two individuals who led independent lives attempt to merge and become one. In this show, we interviewed Bart and Jackie Bartosz who have been married for one and a half years. Their flexibility, sense of humor, and love for each other helped to make the transition smoother.

Megan talks with Fr. Joseph Mulcrone, Director of the archdiocesan Office of the Deaf and one of the founders of the Deaf Catholic Youth Initiative of the Americas (DCYIA). He describes young people of faith who are deaf living in Mexico, Central and South America. He has encountered people who feel isolated and lost, even in the church. DCYIA trains pastoral workers and encourages deaf young people to be leaders in their communities.

Part of the process of helping parishes change their culture to one that prioritizes evangelization is to invite them to use a new soft entry point tool – a way to enter the faith community in a low-key manner that is focused on faith. One such tool is Alpha. Co-hosts Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, and José Coronel, Evangelization Coordinator, discussed with guests their experience with Alpha. Charlie Thomas, a recently retired lawyer, is coordinating Alpha at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs who has completed a pilot and season one. He shares how he got involved and how this experience has helped him grow. Aida Rodrigues is the volunteer Evangelization Coordinator at St. William Parish where they just finished their pilot Alpha. She shares how this tool works and how it has helped her personally.

For over fifteen years, Catholic Charities has been blessed to have dedicated volunteer attorneys who have been instrumental in our efforts to expand legal services for our clients. Today, we are able to offer competent legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues and the expertise of volunteer attorneys continues to be vital to the work that we do. Longtime volunteer attorneys Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch join Monsignor Boland to discuss the significant impact volunteer attorneys have in the lives of many people.

Sean Flynn was the guest on today's program. Sean is coordinater for youth programming at Distinctive Schools. He is also an accomplished author of a self published book containing advice on mentoring youth. Sean shared his humble beginnings, his exciting new challenge with Distinctive Schools and his thoughts on the family and youth of today.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Juan Rangel with Empower Illinois talks to Bob about the complete funding of the Tax Credit Scholarships to most of the Catholic Schools in Illinois despite earlier threats to it. Segment II: Pat Winn with Catholic Charities of the Rockford diocese joins Bob to discuss the scourge of human trafficking and how his organization is fighting it on a county-by-county basis. Segment III: Ralph Rivera, lobbyist for Illinois Right to Life, talks about the final version of the "Reproductive Health Act" that was signed into law last week by Gov. Pritzker.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg spend time talking with Carrie Spano and Tom Gouterman about Marist High School’s Faith in the Future Campaign. They also get to know the new director of Inclusive Education, Kat McConnell.. Deacon John Cook chats with Professor Ted Williams from Kennedy King College. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with Andrew McKernin and Michelle Medzigian to discuss the Pope Francis Ministry. And Fr. Greg and Graz invite Deacon John and Fr. Claudio into the studio to wrap up the week.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 16, 12-15 del domingo, 16 de junio de 2019. Viernes, 14 de junio de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Deacon John Cook joins Fr. Greg and Graz to talk about his busy life as a deacon in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Segment II: Fr. Claudio Diaz discusses the history of St. Aloyisius parish

We speak with Juan Pablo Padilla who guides our conversation about Theology on Tap and the collaborative approach parishes are taking to host this yearly summer event. We speak about accompaniment and collaboration in supporting the young adults in our parishes and within our communities.

Today's guest Professor Ted Williams from Kennedy King College shared his passion for God's people and his Juneteenth sneak preview and ultimate production in August.

Soon after Pope Francis was elected, he opened a shower room and a laundry facility in Rome for use by the homeless. Inspired by this initiative, last June Monsignor Boland established a similar service called the Pope Francis Ministries at Catholic Charities headquarters, 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago. As the anniversary of the opening of the Pope Francis Ministries approaches, Andrew McKernin and Michele Medzigian join Monsignor Boland to discuss how the program has evolved in its first year.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Marist High School's Faith in the Future Campaign. Guests: Carrie Spano; Tom Gouterman. Segment II: New Director of Inclusive Education. Guest: Kat McConnell

Fr. Greg spoke with Megan Deichl, Dr. Anthony Pagliarini and John Ellgas about the Summer Scripture Conference at Mundelein Seminary. Deacon John Cook talked about advocating for senior citizens with talk show host Clara Hubbard. Monsignor Boland’s guests, Peter Hoy and Angela Brown chatted about the Garden Project at St. Sabina Elders Village. Ryan Lents and Dawn Fitzpatrick had Mary Kate Knorr in the studio to discuss the recent abortion legislation in Illinois. Sr. Lovina Pammit talked vocations with Passionist brother Nicholas Divine. And the Deacons invited fellow Deacon Jim Pauwels to talk about the Rest In His Arms ministry.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-23 del domingo, 9 de junio de 2019. Viernes, 6 de junio de 2019.

Sr. Lovina Francis Pammit, OSF, interviews Nicholas Divine, originally from Holyoke, Massachusetts, a Passionist confrere on the way to being ordained as transitional Deacon in the fall and as a Religious priest by next year. Nicholas talks about how as a young man he felt a call to religious life but found himself first living through a series of events that changed his life. He also talked about his play based on a true story from his childhood, “Right Angles: A Polish American Christmas Comedy in Two Acts” which hopefully will be performed live in the Chicago area. “Right Angles” is available for sale online at https://outskirtspress.com/brothernickdivine or contact Sr. Lovina if interested in buying a copy signed by the author.

Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Jim Pauwels speaks about Rest in His Arms, a ministry that provides the dignity of a Christian burial for children, many of them tiny infants, whose remains have been abandoned. The children might be left in a garbage dump, along the side of the road, in a viaduct on a busy city street or in the county morgue. The spiritual care that Deacon Jim and those who work with him attends to not only the children but also the communities in which the bodies are found. Tragedy abounds but hope endures. Deacon Jim speaks with the regular hosts, Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic. For more information, go to www.restinhisarms.org.

Dawn and Ryan begin the show by discussing the Vitality Days that are currently running in each Vicariate around the Archdiocese. Vitality Days are a Renew My Church Effort and begin by a simply example of how to set a theme of hospitality to welcome people to our Catholic faith. Next, Mary Lou Matheke, IPC Coordinator for Immigration Ministries joins the discussion to share an effort to welcome immigrants through hospitality in a service trip to El Paso that will take place in July. Next, Mary Kate Knorr, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life joins the show to discuss the recent abortion legislation passed in Illinois, and how we as Catholic can still share hope with people in spite of the impending new laws. A spirit of hospitality can be incorporated into meaningful conversations with others about the importance of life from conception to natural death. And finally, Brian Butler of Dumb Ox Ministries shares the essence of the Echo experience, which will be hosted by the Archdiocese June 14-20 at St Xavier University.

Clara Hubbard is a senior citizen advocate and talk show host who provides a plethora of services and activities for seniors and shares with our community how they can get involved and keep up to date.

As one of the twenty Catholic Charities affordable residences in the Chicago area, St. Sabina Elders Village offers seniors the opportunity to live independently within a caring community of people. Staff members invite residents to participate in a wide range of activities that give them the opportunity to pursue interesting goals and enjoy spending time with one another. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss a new and very popular program at St. Sabina’s are Peter Hoy and Angela Brown.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Summer Scripture Conference at Mundelein Seminary. Guests: Megan Deichl; Dr. Anthony Pagliarini; John Ellgas. Segment II: Rev. Robert McLaughlin Faith Foundation and it's upcoming golf outing. Guest: Mark Terisi

Homelessness in Chicago is the topic as Deacon John Cook talks with Abraham Morris of DePaul USA. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland talks about the importance of having a strong and vibrant Board of Advisors with Board Member Emile Johnson and his son, Andrew. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media discuss Muslim-Catholic relations with Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek of the Archdiocese Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and Abdullah Mitchell, Executive Director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. And Fr. Greg and Graz visit with Dawn Fitzpatrick, the Respect Life Coordinator in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, about abortion legislation being considered here in Illinois.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: The state of Muslim-Catholic relations in Chicago. Guests: Dan Olsen; Susan Pudelek; Abdullah Mitchell. Segment II: Abortion legislation in the state of Illinois. Guest: Dawn Fitzpatrick.

Abraham Morris, Director of the Dax Program for Depaul U.S.A., talked to us about the student homelessness program and the offerings for Depaul students to attend school while providing them with housing. Next week they will be having their annual fundraiser to help support the needs of the Chicago area homeless community that affects students nationally with a population of approximately 58,000 students.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been blessed to include among its benefactors numerous members of one family. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of family members across several generations who have become involved in furthering the mission of Catholic Charities. In recognition of this exciting development, a new initiative will be started this year at the Monsignor Michael Boland Golf Invitational. This annual event will take place Wednesday, July 24th at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont. Monsignor Boland looks forward to discussing this trend with Catholic Charities Board of Advisors member Emile Johnson and his son Andrew.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 14, 23-29 del domingo, 26 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 24 de mayo de 2019.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Roman Szabelski, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries, talks about Field Masses across the Archdiocese on Memorial Day. Segment II: David Dempsey, Program Director of the St. Leo Residence for Veterans, discusses the many services available for veterans through Catholic Charities.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the full season of Easter. Exploring the theology of the season, looking at it's structure, and breaking open the great Feasts of Ascension and Pentecost, they reflect on the power and profundity the 50 Day Feast!

Demetra Willis spoke with us and shared her investment opportunities for listeners and a few wise words for listeners looking an opportunity to grow financially and spiritually

Legendary photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Seventeen years ago, a group of dedicated volunteers became a Photo Team, embracing Adams’ thought and inviting guests of the Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Supper to learn how to become photographers in the enjoyable, transformative program called After Supper Visions. After Supper Visions is one of 158 programs Catholic Charities operates in 174 locations across Cook and Lake Counties. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss the upcoming 17th Annual After Supper Visions Photo Exhibition are Noreen Russo and Linda Roxe, members of the current Photo Team.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Greg Schleppenbach, associate director of pro-life activities at the USCCB, talks to Bob about conscience protections afforded by new rules recently issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Segment II: Stanley Carlson-Thies, senior director of the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, joins Bob to discuss the religious freedom concerns of the Equality Act which amends the federal Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Segment III: Andy Duran, executive director of the Lake Forest-based LEAD, talks to Bob about the progress of marijuana legalization at the state capitol. LEAD is a substance abuse prevention organization that opposes the legalization of marijuan

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk about a big victory for St. John Brebeuf students at the Illinois State Science Fair. Deacon John Cook visits with Sister Jamie Phelps who shares practical advice to improve relationships in both the family and church. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss programs coordinated through their regional office on Chicago’s southwest side. Jennifer Delvaux of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship leads a discussion on what it means to be a missionary disciple. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie reflect on a recent interview they did with a couple who had triplets. And Megan Mio, Mission Education and Appeals Coordinator, talks to Franciscan Sister Nancy Schramm about her three decades of missionary work in Brazil.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 13, 31-33ª; 34-35 del domingo, 19 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 17 de mayo de 2019.

Continuing our discussion around the insights garnered from our interview with Bob and Mary Ploen, we offer several important lessons for our listeners. First, we emphasize the importance of faith in marriage and relationships. Second, we discuss the necessity of prayer and meditation not only for the nurturing of our faith but also for the strengthening of our bonds. Finally, we encourage all of us to recognize the miracles in our lives just as Mary and Bob did in theirs.

Megan talks with Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Nancy Schramm. Sr. Nancy is the Director of Mission Formation for the Diocese of Joliet. She has 32 years of experience of being on mission in the State of Para, which is in the Amazon region of Brazil. They also discuss Sr. Nancy's research into the life of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN who was martyred in 2005 for her ministry with rural workers and peasants in the Amazon Region of Brazil.

On this month’s episode, co-hosts Jenn Delvaux and José Coronel from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship (OEMD), reflect on the success and feedback from those who participated in OEMD’s previous Evangelization Days. Irene Saldaña, a parishioner of St. Mary of Czestochowa, joined the show to talk about her experience at these Evangelization Days. Irene relates what she learned at these events with what she is doing through a catechetical program, S.I.N.E. (Sistema Integral para la Nueva Evangelization), in her parish. Jenn and José also discuss what’s to come in OEMD’s upcoming Vitality Days, which are complimentary workshops that focus on welcoming and hospitality in the parish context. Adam Janke, the Program Director for Saint Paul Street Evangelization, joins the program to discuss hospitality and why it’s important for the future of the Church. For more information about our Vitality Days, please visit our website at, https://pvm.archchicago.org/evangelization/events. To learn more about Saint Paul Street Evangelization, visit their website at, https://streetevangelization.com/

Today we revisit our guest from two weeks ago. Sister Jamie Phelps shared with us some symptoms that have led to fractured families and communities and she offers practical advice to improve our relationships in both the family and the church.

Catholic Charities regional offices function as local hubs where community residents can access our services. Regional Advisory Boards made up of regional residents and professionals, guide and support the operations of the offices in partnership with parishes and schools who volunteer and donate to assist anyone in need on their path to self-sufficiency. Almost five years ago, Catholic Charities recognized Chicago’s southwest side as an area of high need for families. The City-Southwest office began with roots in the communities of Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Greater Lawn, Marquette Park, Little Village and Pilsen. Marilu Gonzalez, City Southwest Regional Director and Mireya Vera, City Southwest Regional Advisory Board member joint Monsignor Boland to share more about the services and many programs coordinated through our City Southwest Regional Office.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. John Brebeuf students win at Illinois State Science Fair. Guests: Dr. Mary Maloney; Michael Giordano; Olivia K.; Reid R. Segment II: Holy Trinity High School's B-STEM Guests: Angela Micelli; Aaron Trinidad

Catholic Chicago host Graziano Marcheschi interviews the Special Events Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Vocation Office, Shawn Lucas. Graz also talks with Fr. Connor Danstrom, the very talented Director and Chaplain of the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Deacon John Cook visits with Dr. Andrew Prevot, associate professor of Theology at Boston College in Massachusetts. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss the importance of volunteers, in this case, high school volunteers thanks to a partnership with Loyola Academy. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi talk with Fr. Jim Presta, the Pastor of St. Emily Parish in Mount Prospect, about the Month of Mary.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10, 27-30 del domingo, 12 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 10 de mayo de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Fr. James Presta of St. Emily Parish in Mount Prospect, discusses May as the Month of Mary. Segment II: Chicago Shares is a unique program to assist the homeless and other people in need to obtain food and other necessities. Guests: Ron Polaniecki; Elizabeth Kohlbeck.

Taking the time to participate in enrichment days for lay volunteers is an integral part of formation. In our busiest of days we learn to trust in the Spirit to get us through. Join us in conversation with guests Victor Vallejo and Maryvel Torres to explore what formation days can do to boost one's spirit and one's vocation especially in support of accompanying engaged couples toward marriage. Vallejo and Torres work on the family ministry team in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Dr. Andrew Prevot, associate professor of Theology at Boston College in Massachusetts, was our guest for this program. He is conducting a lecture at the University Of Chicago on Thursday, May 9th 2019 at the Common Room in Swift Hall. Dr. Prevot is speaking on The Hope of Exodus in Black and Womanist Theology. He also shared with us his Catholic upbringing, as well as hopes and resources that expand the thought and current theories for blacks to be liberated and freed.

Volunteers offer their compassion and assistance each year and without their help, we wouldn’t be able to do all that we do to help those most in need. An increasingly important group of Catholic Charities volunteers are students from local elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese. From serving as role models to the youngest of children in our child learning centers to interacting with seniors, our high school volunteers learn important life lessons that go beyond the classroom. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about our wonderful partnership with Loyola Academy is Bill Brandstrader, Missions & Father’s Network Moderator at Loyola Academy and Emily O’Donaghue, a student at Loyola Academy.

Host: Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Upcoming Vocations Office Events and Activities including Totus Tuus, Sport Camps, and Quo Vadis Camp. Guest: Shawn Lucas. Segment II: The St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) is hosting a fundraiser called the Holy Happy Hour at the Lagunitas Brewing Company on Monday, May 20. Guest: Fr. Connor Danstrom.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media are joined by a group of brothers for an on-air celebration of Religious Brothers Day. Deacon John Cook talks with Sister Jamie Phelps about everything from the aging process to the significance of bible study. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss services offered at the Catholic Charities Senior Centers and the upcoming Senior Unity Mass. Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ryan Lents visit with Mark Curran, the former sheriff of Lake County, about the Immigration Ministry’s upcoming benefit called Keep Hope Alive. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit and Sister Mary Kay Brooks have a very informative conversation about the plight of immigrants. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic introduce us to Deacon Michael Fekete who is very active with Catholic Relief Services.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 21, 1-19 del domingo, 5 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 3 de mayo de 2019.

Sr. Lovina asks Brother Michael Segvich, an Edmund Rice Christian Brother, about Religious Brothers Day. Br. Mike describes how despite being “under the radar,” religious brothers have impacted other people’s lives in powerful ways. Sister Mary Kay Brooks, SSND, discusses her recent mission trip at the Mexican border with five young women from Baltimore Notre Dame Prep and the implications of such an experience.