The Catholic Conference Hour explores moral guidance as it relates to the Covid-19 vaccines. We hear about the upcoming Midwest Tour of the March for Life Chicago. The Voice of Charity hears about the Holy Land from a local priest. And we get to know the 2020 winner of the USCCB’s Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 2, 1-12, del domingo, 3 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 1 de enero de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Cardinal Blase Cupich, Dr. Jim Rigg, Sally Blount and Jim Disch join our hosts to talk about the challenges and events of 2020, and their hopes moving forward into 2021.

Catholic Charities Senior Services offers a broad array of programs to help seniors stay in their homes, whenever possible, and lead safe, independent lives. We collaborate with many other agencies to help seniors socialize and get the assistance they need. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on this special year-end edition of The Voice of Charity, as they welcome Angela Bailey and Robert Boyd to discuss how staff members have found new and creative ways to serve our senior clients in this very challenging year.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, cohosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) focus on the season of Christmas. They discuss the theology of the season and break open the spirituality of the season from Christmas, through Epiphany to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Along the way they explore the symbols, scriptures and some traditions of the season.

Reverend Edward Harnett is a highly-acclaimed biblical scholar, in addition to being a dedicated priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Harnett has travelled to the Holy Land over a dozen times, taking hundreds of pilgrims to the places where Jesus lived and died. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on this special Christmas edition of The Voice of Charity, as they welcome Fr. Harnett to discuss the sites in Bethlehem surrounding the Nativity, and learn more about the traditions of each holy place that have been passed on for more than 2000 years.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Greg Schleppenbach, associate director of pro-life activities at the USCCB, talks about the moral guidance on COVID-19 vaccines recently released by the USCCB. Segment II: Kevin Grillot, executive director of weDignify and is heading up next month's March for Life Chicago, discusses taking the March on a Midwest tour that culminates in Chicago on January 23. Segment III: Louis Jones, a resident of the Diocese of Belleville, was recently named the 2020 winner of USCCB's Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award for his work with the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the bishops' anti-poverty initiative. Segment IV: Glenn Van Cura, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, talks about his 10 years at the social service agency before he leavesw on February 1.

Catholic Schools Today speak with a first year teacher who continued to teach his remote classroom even as his house was on fire. Catholic Charities featured an inspiring family of volunteers. And Built on the Rock spoke with a couple about their faith journey.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 26-28, del domingo, 20 de diciembre de 2020. Viernes, 18 de diciembre de 2020

Megan talks with Cathy Douglass co-founder of the Guardians of the Visitation, an lay association that collaborates and supports the work of the Sisters Servants of the Visitation (SSV), an international missionary women's congregation. Megan shares recorded messages from Sr. Rubi Arellano, SSV who works with poor and vulnerable children in the Philippines. Cathy describes how she first met Sr. Rubi, got involved and what the Guardians have been able to accomplish so far.

Because of COVID, we have not been able to interview a couple for several months. How delighted we were to have a couple join us once again on our show. In this interview, we meet Elisabeth Korsmeier and Joe McCormick whose journeys brought them to each other despite their differences, both culturally and otherwise. Their vibrant faith and involvement in the Catholic church is the foundation upon which their union is built. Enjoy the show, and please have yourselves a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be born in us, O Lord.

On the Way focuses on Christmas traditions and things we’ve learned about this year. Miguel Salazar, Senior Coordinator for Immigration, is the first guest and joins co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux. He shares with listeners the history of Mexican Posadas and the 15th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform held on December 18th. To learn more about the Chicagoland Posada visit: https://pvm.archchicago.org/xv-annual-posada. The second half of the show is dedicated to Christmas music and the reality of singing in 2020 with guest Wendy Silhavy, Senior Coordinator in the Office for Divine Worship. At the encouragement of the Cardinal, she has organized a virtual choir from throughout the Archdiocese who will sing at Midnight Mass from Holy Name Cathedral on WGN and Catholic Chicago. This Mass will be a special celebration of the entire Archdiocese as much of it is being pre-recorded due to the pandemic. She also discusses with the hosts the lessons they have learned from 2020, like how much we do take singing at Mass for granted.

Catholic Charities volunteers are compassionate, dedicated, selfless people. It is quite moving when we see a group of volunteers who are committed as we are to the mission of Catholic Charities. It is even more inspiring when a team of volunteers comes from the same family. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on this special Christmas edition of The Voice of Charity, as they welcome Judy, David, John, Matthew, Tim and Sarah Kendzior, to thank them for their many volunteer contributions, and discuss the positive impact that volunteering has had in their family.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update about Archdiocese of Chicagol Catholic Schools. Segment II: John Little, a first year teacher at St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove, was recently teaching his classes remotely when he had to evacuate his home due to a fire. John and his family quickly left their home and John taught his next class from his neighbor's front yard. Guests: John Little; Kirs Gritzmacher. Segment III: Students at Most Holy Redeemer School are growing spiritually. The second-grade students received a special gift from St. Nicholas -- bibles and candy. They also recently made their First Reconciliation. Eighth-grade students are preparing for their confirmation. They recently had a service opportunity with local residents who are homebound. Guests: Susan Duffy; Geri Tilkes; Lee Ann Arethas.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 6-8, 19-28 del domingo, 13 de diciembre de 2020. Viernes, 11 de diciembre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Kathy DeNicolo is the author of life afirming stories for the whole family. She's a go to read for realistic second chances. Kathy's new book is called "The Comeback." Segment II: Ms. Joey Miller is a licensed clinical social worker at Wellsprings Health Associates in Chicago. With over 20 years of experience in women's reproductive health and medicine, she provides support and expert guidance to women and their partners through the often complicated, challenging, and sometimes heart-wrenching pursuit of parenthood. Joey has authored a book titled Rebirth: The Journey of Pregnancy After a Loss.

We talk with Sr. Janice Keenan OSF and Sr. Kathy Sherman CSJ about how leaders can remain spiritually well. The demands of today's Church leaders are many from big tasks to small tasks especially as our world has shifted how we minister and how we lead. We examine what it takes to slow down, be present and learn to fill one's cup despite the worldly demands of today.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines draws over one million visitors from all over the United States each year, with astonishing crowds especially on the OLG feast day, December 12th. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Fr. Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the shrine, to discuss online plans for the 2020 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the ways the shrine has adapted throughout this year to respond to the needs of the Hispanic community and all those who revere Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. John Beyenka was a lifelong diocesan priest who became a World War II Chaplain and saw up-close the horrors of war during the Allied invasion of Italy. Fr. Beyenka saved his wartime memorabilia, and they form the basis of this exhibit. Guests: Fr. Michael Meany; Meg Hall. Segment II: Gordon Nary and Eileen Quinn Knight discuss the publication Profiles in Catholicism. They also discuss plans for a new publication on Healing from Clerical Sexual Abuse.

The Voice of Charity highlights the Celebration of Giving which is now underway. Fully Alive co-hosts Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy explored how Mary and Joseph’s journey applies to our own lives. And on Diakonia, A Call to Service, we hear from the deacons about how Hope Is On The Way!

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marco 1, 1-8, del domingo, 6 de diciembre de 2020. Viernes, 4 de diciembre de 2020

Vince Gerasole, Director of Multimedia Content in the Archdiocese of Chicago and program host Sr. Lovina Pammit, OSF engage in a conversation with guest Sr. Joni Luna, S.P., (Sister of Providence of St. Mary of-the-Woods, Indiana) who tells a beautiful story of how she discovers her ancestry and finds kinship among the native community gathered in protest against the Access pipeline in North Dakota. Sr. Joni talks about what vocation discernment is truly about to dispel some of the misconceptions and encourage both discerner and their family and friends. The show concludes with Sr. Joni’s spirit filled prayer. To contact Sr. Joni, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org or call 812.595.2954

Notwithstanding the challenges of COVID-19, the response to natural disasters continues. Join today’s host Deacon Dave Brencic, as he is joined by co-host Deacon Richard Hudzik. They discuss the outreach known as Hope’s On the Way with Chicago Deacons Joe Winblad and John Vidmar, both of whom are deeply involved in serving through Hope’s On the Way. This ministry provides both hands-on assistance in rebuilding those devastated by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters, as well as gathering and shipping cleaning and building supplies to affected areas of the United States, as well as serving locally in the Archdiocese. The deacons and lay people joining together in this work truly put into action the responses to Jesus’ question, “did you visit me when I was afflicted?” You can learn more about Hope’s On the Way, how to participate, and, if able, how to donate by going to their website www.HopesOnTheWay.org. Hope’s On the Way is a ministry that is financially assisted in its ministry by the Archdiocese’s Diaconate Council. Nevertheless, the need remains great.

Today on Fully Alive Dawn and Ray welcome Miguel Salazar from Immigration Ministries to discuss the upcoming virtual Posada. Miguel explains the history of the Posada and how it is a seeking of shelter. The Archdiocese will host a virtual Posada on Friday December 18th at 7AM. Dawn and Ray continue the theme of seeking shelter by relating the search for our final home to our search for our destiny. St John Paul II explains our search as culminating in the heavens with God in our time of Eschatological Man. The Wednesday catechesis continues as Dawn and Ray journey through our time of Historical Man – after the fall and banishment from the garden through the coming of Jesus Christ who reveals our identity as sons and daughters of God and the holiness of our bodies.

For over thirty years, in December, Catholic Charities has hosted The Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball, an elegant gathering in downtown Chicago to raise crucial funds for our programs that benefit children and families. This year, the ball will be a very special, virtual event on December 4th. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Annie Scully Tumpis and Laura Kuever to preview this fabulous online party, and discuss how Catholic Charities Child, Youth and Family Services have developed new and innovative ways to continue to assist clients throughout 2020.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On December 5th, the Catholic Lawyers Guild will be hosting a virtual Advent retreat titled Bringing All We Are Into What We Do: Spiritual Practices in our Work as Lawyers and in our Homes at Christmas. Guests: Jack Shea; Judge Tom Donnelly. Segment II: Dr. Edward Gordon talks about the latest developments in the Covid-19 pandemic.

We hear stories about Cardinal Elect Wilton Gregory from people who have been close to him in his life. We listen to the beautiful music of Old St. Pat’s Church and learn about the music ministry there. And the Voice of Charity highlights the Celebration of Giving that is now underway.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marco 13, 33-37, del domingo, 29 de noviembre de 2020. Viernes, 27 de noviembre de 2020

Megan speaks with Jodi Grahl, Director of General and Gynecologic Surgery and Pacemaker Programs, and Rachel McDonnell, Director of Development, for Solidarity Bridge, a medical mission organization that partners with communities in Bolivia and Paraguay to increase access to safe, affordable surgery and other essential health care. They discuss the work of Solidarity Bridge and how the pandemic has affected communities in Bolivia. They also learn about how the medical mission has adjusted their lifesaving work to continue in this challenging time.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the new Year of Grace that begins with the first Sunday of Advent. They break open the theology and spirituality of Advent, exploring the liturgies, the prayers and readings of this great season. They also discuss some of the key symbols of Advent: the Advent wreath, novenas and other devotions, and even Advent hymns.

Catholic Charities 73rd Annual Celebration Of Giving unites people from all over Chicagoland in spreading Christmas cheer, providing 25,000 gifts to our neighbors in need who would otherwise have nothing to open Christmas Day. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Andrew McKernin and Allison Loecke to share how the program is going this year, and how listeners can join in this outpouring of kindness that is filled with the Spirit of Christmas!

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Pope Francis has recently appointed 13 new cardinals, and one of them is a Chicago native. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., will become the first African American cardinal from the United States. Our guests share some stories of their memories of him. Guests: Elaine Gregory Swenson; Fr. Thomas Baima; Fr. Dominic Grassi. Segment II: The music ministry of Old St. Pat's church. Music Director Mark Scozzafave presents music featuring musicians and singers from Old St. Pat's church.

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan and his guest talk about how Catholics voted in the 2020 presidential election. The Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship Office look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday during the pandemic. And the Catholic Schools Today program looks at the Catholic high schools placement exam by highlighting two of Chicago’s Catholic high schools.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 31-46, del domingo, 22 de noviembre de 2020. Viernes, 20 de noviembre de 2020

Host: Vince Gerasole. Segment I: Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update on Chicago's Catholic Schools. Segment II: St. Patrick High School is Chicago's oldest all-male Catholic high school. The school's current hybrid model ensures the safety, health and well-being of students, faculty and staff while allowing St. Patrick to provide the quality educational experience their families have grown accustomed to in the school's 160-year history. Guests: Mick O'Rourke; Dr. Joseph Schmidt. Segment III: As the largest all-girls school on the north side of Chicago, Resurrection offers a rigorous and challenging education for all students in a supportive environment. Resurrection serves a diverse student population from across the city and suburbs, representing over 100 private and public grammar schools. Guests: Laura Dennis; Dr. Rick Piwowarski.

On the Way focuses on the seasons which are upon us, Thanksgiving and Advent. The first guest who joins Beth White is Kevin Pease, director of Loyola University’s IPS Scripture School to discuss an upcoming Advent Retreat, “When They Saw the Star,” that is available to everyone for free. The retreat takes place over three weeks – two hours a week – on Zoom. For more information visit here. Kevin also shared about how to get involved with the IPS Scripture School. On the second half of the show, Beth White was joined by Michelle Shaffer, Associate Director of the Institute for Lay Formation at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Michelle and Beth discussed gratitude as we look towards Thanksgiving in the midst of a pandemic. Michelle shared some research about how gratitude is incredibly beneficial for us psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Even though these are really hard and challenging times for all of us, it is important that we find a few things each day for which we can be grateful.

Catholic Charities clients in the Refugee Settlement and LOOM programs are some of the most resilient, talented people we know. They have fled very difficult circumstances in their homelands and are now starting over in Chicago. This year has been especially challenging for them. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Elma Kulovic and Rebecca Hamlin Green to discuss how Catholic Charities Refugee Settlement and LOOM programs have adapted during COVID-19 to continue to offer support to immigrant families who are working hard toward stability, safety and a brighter future for their families.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, talks about how Catholics voted in the 2020 presidential election. Segment II: Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois, Springfield, tallied the dizzying amount of money spent on the "fair tax" ballot initiative, the retention bid of an Illinois Supreme Court justice, and targeted legislative races. Segment III: David Spotanski, COO for the Archdiocese of Atlanta and right-hand man for Archbishop Wilton Gregory during his time in Belleville and Atlanta, talks about the Archbishop's elevation to America's first African-American cardinal later this month. Segment IV: Fr. Mike Meany, pastor at St. John Brebeuf in Niles, talks about the Archdiocese's online photo exhibit honoring his late uncle, WWII chaplain Fr. John Beyenka for Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 25, 14-30, del domingo, 15 de noviembre de 2020. Viernes, 13 de noviembre de 2020

The November 12, 2020 broadcast has co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discussing an Illinois-based ministry, Nourish for Caregivers, that provides Christ-centered wisdom to assist those who care for others. Joining in the conversation are the two founders of Nourish for Caregivers, Deb Kelsey-Davis and Kelly Johnson, along with one of their board members, Chicago Deacon Mike Fekete. Deb and Kelly explore with the listeners how community, prayer, as well as practical advice will do much to assist those who give care to others at home. In these days, more and more of us find ourselves caring for aging parents, ailing spouses or children. Who can help those who give this care, often quite demanding and never-ending? Look to www.nourishforcaregivers.com. Also, take a look at the recently-released book of practical and spiritual helps from Deb and Kelly—The Caregiver’s Companion: A Christ-Centered Journal to Nourish Your Soul. Available online and elsewhere.

Sister Elizabeth Ann Guerrero, MCDP, Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence Talks about the “Weaving Cultures” (“Entrelezando Culturas”) program based on going beyond the theory of intercultural relationships as Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.Ss.P explains, “living interculturally goes beyond mixing people of different cultures to live together and maybe letting each person cook an authentic meal from their culture once a month. It’s a mutual, authentic and intentional exchange between people. One where we break down the barriers not the differences.” To find out more, visit: Weaving Cultures: Responding to the Signs of our Time Sister Ann T. Oestreich, IHM, reports that the Catholic Sisters curriculum has been completed. “Called and Consecrated is a bilingual online curriculum designed for use with middle and high school students. Units cover what sisters do, how sisters pray, how sisters are called, and more. Llamadas y Consagradas: Explorando las Vidas de las Religiosas: El plan de estudio en línea está diseñado para ser usado con estudiantes de escuela primaria y preparatoria. Las lecciones cubren lo que hacen las Hermanas, cómo oran, cómo es su llamada y más. Visit here: National Catholic Sisters Project

A historian and professor shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the recent movement to remove statues of historical figures from public spaces. The theology of the Office of Bishop is discussed on Focus on the Liturgy. And Non-Violence Works, a non-profit organization that offers education and training in character development and non-violence is highlighted.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Non-Violence Works is a non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention in our homes, neighborhoods and wider community. Guests: Elfreide Wedam; Larry Campbell; Phil Bradley. Segment II: Historian and professor Dr. Edward Gordon speaks about the Covid-19 pandemic.

On November 13th, 3 new auxiliary bishops will be ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago: Frs. Kevin Birmingham, Jeffery Grob and Robart Lombardo CFR. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss and explore the theology of the Office of Bishop and unpack the richness and symbolic profundity of the Order of Ordination of a Bishop.

Corporate partners of Catholic Charities provide vital assistance to our work. They offer wise counsel, encourage their employees to volunteer with us and give invaluable financial support that maintains our life-affirming programs and services. Join Brigid Murphy and Philip Buta as they welcome Mike O’Grady, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust to discuss the many ways that Mike, his family and Northern Trust generously collaborate with Catholic Charities to help fulfill the mission of our agency.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Ed Gordon is a member of the Grant Park Monument Commission. Dr. Gordon talks about recent controversies regarding historic statues in public places and the call to remove some of them. Segment II; The annual Keep Hope Alive benefit is scheduled virtually this Thursday at 6:30pm. It's theme this year is "15 years united for Immigrant Justice." The event supports the Archdiocese of Chicago's Immigration Ministry and it's national Pastoral Migratoria initiative, which has become a role model nationally for immigrant support. Guests: Elena Segura; Rich Daniels.

Catholic Conference Hour host Bob Gilligan and his guests talks about what the Clean Energy Jobs Act will look like after incorporating Gov. J.B. Pritzker's principles for clean energy legislation. They also discuss the historically-low refugee cap of 15,000 set by the federal government for the new federal fiscal year that started October 1 Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi took some time to chat with Fr. Michael Bradley. With the Chicago Marathon cancelled this year because of Covid-19, Fr. Mike ran a marathon of his own on Sunday, October 11th through the streets of Edgewater where he lives at St. Gertrude Parish. Fr. Greg and Mark also spent some time with Fr. Lou Cameli. They talked about the concept of Faithful Citizenship and the role it plays in the voting process.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 22, 1-14, del domingo, 25 de octubre de 2020. Viernes, 23 de octubre de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: With the Chicago Marathon cancelled this year because of COVID-19, Father Michael Bradley ran a marathon of his own on Sunday October 11th through the streets of Edgewater where he lives at St. Gertrude Parish. Parishioners lined up at the church and on their front doorsteps to cheer him on as he ran by. This was the 49th Marathon for the 67-year-old priest. He completed the run in five hours and five minutes. Segment II: Election day this year has turned into election season. Millions of Americans, taking COVID-19 precautions, have already voted by mail or in person. It’s not uncommon to find waits of 45 minutes or more at early voting stations. Father Lou Cameli, based at Holy Name Cathedral recently wrote some reflections on the concept of Faithful Citizenship, and the role it plays in the voting process. You can hear his complete reflections on our YouTube channel, Catholic Chicago.

Now in its 73rd year, Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving is one of the most joyful events to happen at Catholic Charities every holiday season. Last year, 25,000 gifts were provided to those who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. This year, many obstacles exist, but the desire is stronger than ever to make this community-building program a success. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Mark Noetzel and Andrew McKernin to discuss the start of the 2020 Celebration of Giving.