On January 29, Catholic Charities 21st Annual D’Vine Affair event offers wine and craft beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful virtual evening together in support of our single-parent families who are striving for greater self-sufficiency. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz Jr., President of Glunz Wines Import & Distribution House, and Donna Drinka, Program Director of Catholic Charities Community Casework Department to discuss this fabulous virtual event, and the ways the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is stabilizing families and enhancing the communities in which they live.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según 1 San Mateo 2, 1 - 12 24 del domingo, 2 de enero de 2022. Viernes, 31 de diciembre de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Rob Kaczmark from Spirit Juice Studios talks about a documentary Spirit Juice Studios produced about Gil Hodges, who was recently inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame. Fr. Greg, Mark and Rob also discussed a new Catholic kids program produced by Spirit Juice Studios called Juice Box.

As the world gets ready to ring in a New Year, Catholic Charities looks back on 2021 with gratitude for all that has been accomplished, despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic on our work. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes two members of Catholic Charities Executive Leadership Team, AMI NOVORYTA, Chief Program Officer and GINA CLEGGS, Senior Vice-President of Operations and Innovations to discuss the Year In Review and the agency’s hopes for 2022 under the leadership of our President and CEO, Sally Blount.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según 1 San Juan 3, 1 -2.21 - 24 del domingo, 26 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 24 de diciembre de 2021

Enjoy these live performances of music of the season.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Todd Williamson (ODW), Danielle Noe (LTP) and Timothy Johnston (Archdiocese of Washington) all gather for a discussion about the Great Solemnity of Christmas and the Christmas Season. The three discuss the liturgies, scriptures and symbols of this well-loved Christian Holiday.

Host Joyce Duriga talks with Denis McNamara about how Cardinal Mundelein wanted the architecture of Mundelein Seminary to be a response to American society.

It’s Christmas week, and as we all wait in awe and anticipation for the birth of Jesus, we look forward to time with loved ones in celebrating this blessed, holy day. As families prepare to break out familiar Christmas carols this week, we take a new look at a familiar Christmas song in Catholic Charities’ “Twelve Ideas For Christmas.” Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda for this special Christmas show.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Migration and Refugee Resettlement Services. Guest: Christopher Ross. Segment II: Discussing the Dobbs Decision. Guest: Dr. Steven Jacobs. Segment III: Promoting the Upcoming March for Life Chicago. Guest: Kevin Grillot.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 39 – 45, del domingo, 19 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 17 de diciembre de 2021

This month Megan talks with Rev. Wilson Paulose, a priest currently ministering in the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey but who is originally from the Diocese of Rayagada, India. He serves as a mission appeal speaker for his home diocese as well as pastoral minister in New Jersey. Megan asks Rev. Paulose to share his own journey over this past year since he was infected with COVID and recovered, as well he has been grieving the loss so many back home in India. Nonetheless he maintains great hope and trust in the love and mercy of God through it all.

This month we interviewed David and Karen Groppel from the Twin Cities, MN, who have four children. As devout Catholics, they make their Faith the foundation of their marriage and family, and truly build their marriage of the Rock. They offered us some interesting insights which we will discuss in our next show.

Host Elizabeth White concludes the eight-part series about the qualities of a parish with a culture of evangelization with Mission. Joyce Duriga, Editor for Chicago Catholic, shares stories about people who go out on mission, who use their gifts in the world as a way to share Christ’s love. Joyce also tells her own story about what brought her to a career in Catholic journalism. To read the stories Joyce references, visit www.chicagocatholic.com. Kate Lynch, Director of Religious Education, and Mark Neuhengen, Director of Evangelization and Parish Ministry at St Teresa of Avila join the second half of the show. They offer ways in which they engage and empower parishioners to use their gifts in the parish as well as in their neighborhood. They talk about how this isn’t always easy, but necessary if we want to form missionary disciples. Beth, Kate and Mark also talk about Renew My Church and the way in which the parish of St. Teresa has actively engaged and embraced this process for renewal.

One of the best things about living in Chicago is the change of seasons. But in December, the change of seasons can be dreaded by those who do not have the funds for, or access to warm clothing. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon Tillmon, Department Director of Catholic Charities Family Stabilization Services to discuss the vital role that our Clothing Rooms play in our wrap-around services to help clients stay warm in the winter, and reach their greatest possible levels of self-sufficiency.

Hosts: Melissa Link and Ronnie Facen. Segment I: Catholic Schools Celebrate Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Guests: Scott Ernst; Velia Delgado; Andrea Guevara; Leah Reynoso. Segment II: Saint Patrick High School Makes St. Robert Bellarmine Student Honorary Basketball Captain. Guests: Mary Beth Nelson; Paul Csongradi

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 10 – 18, del domingo, 12 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 10 de diciembre de 2021

We learn more about the quincentennial of the Philippines and the annual Simbang Gabi Novena. The annual 9-day novena is back in-person this year. We hear about the opportunity to learn more about catechesis and evangelization through this this novena. Our guest is Fr. Tirso Villaverde. 

Besides the Nativity of our Lord, there are two very special feast days in December that feature Our Blessed Mother: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception and The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Reverend Gerard Kelly, C.M., Chaplain of Catholic Charities to explain the importance of these feast days and discuss how both days give us great reason for hope, even as the effects of the pandemic continue to present challenges for all.

Members of the God Squad‚ a team of volunteers from Chicago-area parishes, assembled the Nativity at Daley Plaza on Nov. 27, 2021. The annual tradition, now in its 36th year, is the only traditional display of the Nativity Scene in downtown Chicago’s public square. The group has launched a fundraising campaign to restore the statues and replace the major portions of the scene, some of which are over 30 years old. www.chicagocatholic.com

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Vicki Quade, creator of Late Nite Catechism, joins our hosts to talk about Christmas traditions, movie and theater reviews, and her new book.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 1 – 6, del domingo, 5 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 3 de diciembre de 2021

John Siyumbu, MM (Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Maryknoll Society) got to know the Maryknoll Missionaries in Kenya, east Africa, and manages to bring about a major change in this community’s policies. This past October, John was ordained a transitional deacon, and will be ordained as a priest next year. He is currently finishing his formation studies at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and hopes to graduate in May 2022. Tune in and be inspired by his vocation journey.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Deacon Dan Welter. Deacon Dan, an Archdiocese of Chicago deacon, has an interesting resume. He is not only a retired Cook County judge, current Chancellor, but he also serves as a department store Santa Claus. We will talk with Deacon Dan about the good news he has seen in the department store—where he serves not only the children, but the parents and the store employees as well. To conclude the conversation, to show another dimension of Deacon Dan, we talk with about his duties as Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Chicago—who and what a chancellor is and does.

Dawn and Blanca welcome Father Charlie Plavonach from St Leonard’s in Berwyn to discuss his experience with Theology of the Body and how important it is for Men and Women to work together in God’s Plan. On the second half of the show, Jose Carlos Sandoval, a parishioner at St Leonard’s joins the discussion to share his conversion story and how TOB set his life on the right path. They also discuss an event at The Athenaeum on Friday December 3rd—The Theology of Our Lady of Gaudalupe.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been tremendously fortunate to have caring corporate partners, benefactors, trusted advisors and volunteers who believe in the mission of the agency as much as our leaders and employees do. When all of the members of one family fill all of these roles, we are especially blessed, and grateful. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Emile, Shari, Andrew and Caitlin Johnson to discuss their many contributions to the work of Catholic Charities, and their family ethos about giving back that inspires many people.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Michele Sotak and Fr. Lou Cameli spend the hour talking about the connection between faith and physical fitness.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 21, 25 – 28. 34 - 36, del domingo, 28 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 26 de noviembre de 2021

Catholic Charities is delighted to welcome guests back into 721 N. LaSalle Street on Thursday, November 25th, for the traditional Thanksgiving Day luncheon. This is one of our many efforts to continue to fight hunger and celebrate the holidays with our guests. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Andrew McKernin, Manager of Volunteer Relations, and Sharon Holmes, Supervisor of our eight Food Pantries to discuss how Catholic Charities will be offering a safe and festive Thanksgiving Day meal. We also will discuss the challenges of keeping Catholic Charities food pantries stocked over the winter months, and easy, very helpful ways that the public can support those who are facing food insecurity.

Hosts: Fr,. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic and spends time discussing the current labor shortage in health care and other areas.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 18, 33 - 37, del domingo, 21 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 19 de noviembre de 2021

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie unpack their previous interview with guests Bob and Patti Nowak.

Megan sits down with Jenn Delvaux, the Senior Evangelization Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Evangelization. They discuss what the phrase “missionary disciple” meanings and its origins. Jenn and Megan compare notes for what a missionary disciple looks like if he/she is active in the parish community and if she/he is active in local or global mission. They talk about what this has to do with Renew My Church here in the Archdiocese of Chicago and what it could mean for a complete culture change in the Catholic Church.

Continuing on the theme of the eight qualities of a culture of evangelization, co-hosts Elizabeth White and Jenn Delvaux talk about the importance of mission. Joseph Malham, iconographer and author, joined the conversation to talk about his journey and his role as an artist in residence at St. Gregory the Great church, which is part of Mary, Mother of God parish. Through his gifts and talents, Joe witnesses to God’s love and grace. To find out more about Joe and his works visit trinity-icons.myshopify.com/

Catholic Charities St. Nicholas Ball is among the largest, most glamorous events of the Christmas season in Chicago! Benefactors, families and friends look forward each year to this gala that raises crucial funds for our programs and services. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Angel Gutierrez, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, along with the 2021 Co-Christmas Gift CoordinatorS of Lake County, Steve and Christy King to preview this fabulous evening, and the ways that the work of Catholic Charities in Cook and Lake counties leads the way for the planning of the St. Nicholas Ball.

Guests are Darlene Duggan, vice president of the FIRE Foundation of Greater Chicago, and Michael Kendrick, principal of St. James School in Arlington Heights

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I; Repeal of the Parental Notification of Abortion Act. Guest: Rep. Chris Bos, 51st District. Segment II: Healthcare Right of Conscience Act. Guest: Patrick Cacchione. Segment III: Visas for Religious Workers. Guest: David Spicer, J.D.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 13, 24 - 32, del domingo, 14 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 12 de noviembre de 2021

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Julie Ryan McGue is an identical twin and an adoptee. Her writing centers on finding out who you really are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Segment II: Fr. J. Michael Sparough produced and directed a 33-minute documentary titled “Courage to Forgiv.” It is the story of Cardinal Bernardin’s reconciliation with his accuser, Steven Cook and a moving tribute honoring the Cardinal with a message of forgiveness.

Guests: Jeanne Lassandrello and Kathy McNicholas

Are you looking for a way to make your Christmas season especially meaningful this year? Look no further than Catholic Charities 74th Annual Celebration of Giving! Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jim Wogan, Barbara Campbell and Diane Kennedy to learn more about the 2021 Celebration of Giving and discuss how this joy-filled tradition unites individuals and families, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers, spreading Christmas cheer throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Host: Melissa Link. Segment I: Greg Richmond, superintendent of Chicago Catholic schools, gives an update on archdiocesan schools. Segment II: Catholic High School Entrance Exam. Guests: Kristy Kane, Mike Madera. Segment III: Prince of Peace School in Lake Villa Earns National Blue Ribbon Award. Guest: Dr. Stephanie Stoneberg.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 12, 38 - 44, del domingo, 7 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 5 de noviembre de 2021

Sister Joni Luna, S.P., a Sister of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods, IN, describes her journey during a time when success in life began to feel empty, at which time she felt a shift in her values. She talks about how that sense of restlessness led her to respond to the call to religious life. Sr. Joni recounts her preparation time and the moment of professing perpetual vows, and how these experiences continue to deepen her spiritual life. Currently serving as her community’s Vocations Director, Sr. Joni invites others to explore God’s call in their lives. For more information, contact Sr. Joni at [email protected] www.SistersofProvidence.org. Link to article on Sr. Joni’s final Vows (and Sr. Jessica’s First vows) Sr. Joni's final Vows More about Sr. Joni

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two well-known figures in the Archdiocese of Chicago—Father Larry Sullivan, Director of the Archdiocese Cemetery System, and Todd Williamson, Director of the Archdiocese Office for Divine Worship. The four conversation partners offer ideas about how to honor our dead and pray throughout the month of November. Family-friendly tips on how to revere our past and pray in the present and how to bring children into this process were discussed. Also, our two guests brought to light some of the highlights of what the Archdiocese’s cemetery system has to offer all of us.

Today on Fully Alive, Dawn introduces Blanca Rodriguez, Respect Life Coordinator in the Respect Life Office. They talk about what brought Blanca to share ministry at the Archdiocese during the first half of the show. In the second half of the show, Dawn and Blanca discuss many of the upcoming events that will be presented in 2022 by Respect Life Ministries. In addition, they talk about the upcoming CCHD collection and how the funds will be used to help break the poverty cycle by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities.

In the first installment of this new podcast series, Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews local historian Ellen Skerrett about new research she has uncovered about Jesuit Father Arnold Damen, pastor of Holy Family Church on Roosevelt Road and Ignatius College, and the vital aid he gave to Catholic immigrants who lost everything in the Chicago Fire. Skerrett also talks about anti-Catholicism of the day and how it impacted the narrative of the Great Chicago Fire, including what was believed about the fire's origins and Mrs. O'Leary. Skerrett is an expert on local Catholic history and is co-author or author of several books. She also curated the historic exhibit to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini at the national shrine in Lincoln Park.

In 1947, parents who adopted children from St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Chicago joined together to purchase gifts for children who had not yet been adopted. Today, in the same building, at 721 N. LaSalle Street, Catholic Charities continues this heartwarming tradition of providing gifts to those who would otherwise have nothing to open Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Emily Lewis and Judy Kendzior to discuss how The Celebration of Giving connects, and brings joy to thousands of individuals and families throughout Chicago and its suburbs each year.

Host Joyce Duriga sits down with Ellen Skerrett to talk about Fr. Damen and the impact of the Chicago fire on Catholics.

Host: Mark Teresi. Mother Cabrini's Feast Day begins the Jubilee Year in Honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Canonization of Mother Cabrini. Guests: Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Fr. Dominic Grassi, Fr. Ramil Fajardo