In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the liturgies and rites of Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday they explore the theology and spirituality of the these holiest of days for us as Christians. They give special attention to the liturgies of the Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday.

Across the nation, mental health experts have seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking relief from COVID-related concerns such as anxiety, depression, and grief. The Encompassing Center is Chicago is making a positive impact in many people’s lives, offering mental health, substance use programs, and assistance with basic needs to residents of Chicago’s Near West Wise. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jennifer Smith, Program Director to discuss how The Encompassing Center is all about wellness, and treating guests with respect and dignity.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The BASE Chicago re-imagines pathways to success for urban youth by combining sports and academic opportunities with a distinctive methodology rooted in excellence belief and love. Guests: Eric Davis, Frank Brim, Rich Schulz. Segment II: Aging, Caregiving and the Third Act. Guest: Joyce Gallagher

New York Times best-selling author Mark Shriver talks about his new book, 10 Hidden Heroes on Catholic Chicago The Catholic Conference Hour explores the link between parental notice of abortion and raising a red flag about trafficking victims. And we hear about the Medical Missionary of Mary sisters on Mission Matters.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 12, 20-33, del domingo, 21 de marzo de 2021. Viernes, 19 de marzo de 2021

Megan talks with Sr. Joanne Bierl, a Medical Missionary of Mary sister and Area Leader for the Americas. In this hour-long interview, Sr Bierl introduces her international congregation of women religious that seeks to share Christ’s healing love by bringing health services to people of different cultures around the world. Megan asks how the Medical Missionaries understand holistic healing, what that looks like in different settings and how that wisdom can help us get through this pandemic.

On the Way focuses on the Archdiocesan renewal movement, Renew My Church (RMC). Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, co-hosts, are joined by Rick Moreno and Valerie Jennings, two Parish Vitality Coordinators. Valerie, who serves vicariate six, shares the steps or phases parishes enter for the purpose of bringing about renewal. She also shares how parish communities work towards unification – new name, ministry unification process, prayer, etc. Rick, who serves in vicariate four, shares the vision of building the new reality, the final phase of RMC. And each share their hopes for the future. Jenn Delvaux, who serves as the Senior Coordinator in the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship (OEMD), and Beth, the director of OEMD, continue the conversation about renewal through the lens of evangelization. Jenn speaks of the intentional process of walking with pastors and leaders of evangelization in parishes. The main goal is to form missionary disciples and establish a culture of evangelization in parishes. Jenn and Beth discuss and define the various components of that culture – hospitality, listening, inviting, relationships, empowerment, prayer, witness, and mission.

Catholic Charities was recently awarded a grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services to be one of eight service providers implementing the new Service Coordination and Navigation (SCaN) program to reduce violence in Chicago. Catholic Charities work will be in the Austin community where our Tolton Peace Center opened in 2018. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Associate Vice-President Laura Kuever to discuss how SCaN recognizes the importance of a caring adult in a youth’s life, and is structured accordingly, to help lead youth toward safer, successful lives.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Bill Woolf, a human trafficking expert who has done trainings for the USCCB, talks about the link between parental notice of abortion and raising a red flag about trafficking victims. Segment II: Rabbi Shlomo soroka of Aguduth-Israel, discusses the importance of the Tax Credit Scho0larship program to Jewish schools as the scholarship program for nonpublic schools faces a cut proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Segment III; Tony Cube of the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants initiative talks about the actions President Joe Biden has taken in favor of immigrants since assuming office in Late January, including the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. Segment IV: Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, talks about sponsoring Senate Bill 133, the Ultrasound Opportunity Act.

Students and teachers from St. Ferdinand talk about their participation in Operation Rice Bowl activities on Catholic Schools Today. New leadership and expanded programming in Lake County is highlighted on the Voice of Charity. And teen dating violence is discussed on Lifelong Journey.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 3, 14-21, del domingo, 14 de marzo de 2021. Viernes, 12 de marzo de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: From New York Times best-selling author Mark K. Shriver comes 10 Hidden Heroes, an exciting seek-and-find book with a message. Featuring everyday heroes at home and in our neighborhoods, this vibrantly illustrated book helps children develop counting skills and learn how they too can be heroes in day-to-day life. Segment II: The Board of Trustees at Saint Patrick High School, Chicago’s oldest all-boys Catholic high school, announced today the appointment of Daniel A. Santucci ’02 as the school’s next president. Santucci, a former National Football League (NFL) player and experienced development director at the University of Notre Dame, becomes the third president in Saint Patrick’s 160-year history after the president/principal model was adopted in 1987.

We speak with Fr. Charles Dahm who is sharing information about teen dating violence. The Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach is facilitating a teen dating violence program in various parishes in the Archdiocese.

In recent weeks, Catholic Charities of Lake County has welcomed two new leaders to its executive team, and the new Schreiber Center for Human Services has increased its programming. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Thomas Powers, new Chairman of the Lake County Board of Advisors, and Kristen Flanagan, Lake County Regional Project Manager to discuss how Catholic Charities in Lake County continues to innovate and work with community partners to address urgent needs of vulnerable residents.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Ferdinand Participates in Operation Rice Bowl Project. Guests: Erin Boyle Folino; Freida "Ms. Koko" Kokosioulis; Karina (Third-grade student); Jayden (Eighth-grade student). Segment II: Fourth-grade Students Create a Black History Wax Museum. Guests: Susie Hawkes; Kennedy (Fourth-grade student); Chloe (Fourth-grade student).

Juniors at Resurrection College Prep High School to mix virtually with their counterparts in San Marino on Catholic Chicago. A a proposed repeal of the Parental Notification of Abortion for Minors law in Illinois is discussed on Fully Alive. And Chicago area sisters talk about a call to transformative love in religious life on Dare to Love.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 2, 13-25, del domingo, 7 de marzo de 2021. Viernes, 5 de marzo de 2021

Sr. Anita Baird, DHM (Religious Congregation of the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary ) and Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ (Religious Society of the Sacred Heart) return as guests to promote their upcoming event, “A Call to Transformative Love in Religious Life: Stories of Race, Place and Grace – Series 2”. This is a 3-part series, jointly sponsored by the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life and The National Black Sisters’ Conference on three Mondays this month: March 8, 15 and 22. Sr. Maria also talks about her experience as presenter to an international audience with the Union of International Superiors General (UISG) about her book, “Religious Life for Our World: Creating Communities of Hope” (available from Orbis Books and Amazon). Sr. Lovina invited everyone to celebrate Catholic Sisters Week (March 8 to 14), women discerners to participate in Chicago’s Got Sisters on March 20, and everyone to join CAVA for the 12-Hour Prayer Marathon on March 24. Visit www.vocationscava.org for details.

In today’s show, co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interview Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Keith Strohm. An important part of Deacon Strohm’s ministry is work in parishes across the United States to encourage people’s conversion into becoming missionary disciples. That is, through parish missions, retreats, workshops, parish staff development sessions, Deacon Strohm encourages and instructs fellow Christians to see how beautiful and rich life in Christ is—more beautiful and richer than we often imagine. At the deacon’s website that hosts his M3 Catholic Ministries, you can find wonderful resources to acquaint yourself with not only the work of M3 Catholic Ministries but also to lift yourself up, with the grace of God, into becoming missionary disciples, alive in the Spirit and passionate to share the Good News. The website is at www.m3catholic.com.

Co-hosts Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy spend the first half of the program talking with Joe Lazar about an abortion clinic in Chicago that recently closed. In the second half of the program, Dawn and Ray talk with Bob Gilligan about a proposed repeal of the Parental Notification of Abortion for Minors law.

Amate House and the Jesuit Volunteer MAGIS program at Loyola University offer caring young adults the opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience while they live in Chicago with other program participants. Catholic Charities is one of the not-for-profit agencies where these young adults volunteer, to learn more about social work and fulfill their program requirements. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Lauren Jhin and Katie Athis to discuss the many ways their program experiences have expanded their knowledge, of themselves, and of the world.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Resurrection College Prep High School is the largest all girls Catholic school on the North side. Juniors there have a unique upcoming opportunity to mix virtually with their counterparts at the Scuola Secondaria di San Marino. San Marino is a small independent state surrounded by Northern Italy. Guests: Robert Allegrini; Lyn Scolaro; Antonia Barone. Segment II: Nonviolence Works is conducting training of trainers. Guests: Phil Bradley; Larry Campbell

The Voice of Charity welcomes the new Chief Program Officer at Catholic Charities. The Great Season of Lent is explored on Focus on the Liturgy. And Catholic Chicago looks at Mayslake Ministries and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 9, 2-10, del domingo, 28 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 26 de febrero de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Mary Amore talks about what has been happening at Mayslake Ministries during the pandemic. Segment II: Fr. John Kartje talks about current events happening at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

In this broadcast of Focus On the Liturgy, recorded in the first Week of Lent, co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss and explore this great season! They talk about the theology and the spirituality of Lent as well as the liturgies that mark the season. Plus, they spend time exploring the purpose of Lent its history.

Catholic Charities recently welcomed a new leader to its Executive Team, Ami Novoryta who has begun her tenure as Chief Program Officer. In this role, Ami leads all program services development, design and delivery, to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of clients we serve each year are met with professionalism, respect and compassion. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Ami Novoryta to The Voice of Charity.

Host: Mark Teresi. We spend the hour talking with Judge Thomas Donnelly and Michael R. Heinlein about the upcoming Catholic Lawyers Guild Lenten Retreat.

We talk about how to prepare for, and live out, the great season of Lent on Catholic Chicago. And Mission Matters looks at 125 years of the Society of the Divine Word Mission in North America.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 1, 12-15, del domingo, 21 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 19 de febrero de 2021

Megan interviews Fr. Mark Weber, a Divine Word Missionary priest who is currently Rector of the Divine Word Theologate in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Fr. Weber shares some wonderful stories and memories of the Society of the Divine Word as they are celebrating 125 years of mission in North America. He describes ways that SVDs have ministered right here in the Archdiocese of Chicago and highlights how North American priests and brothers, and Divine Word Missionaries from all over the world, have continued the good work of Christ's Mission to proclaim the Gospel all over the globe.

The Tolton Spirituality Center has been a fruit of the pandemic. Beth White, the Host of On the Way, interviews Fr. Gerard Jordan, OPraem, about the newly announced Center to serve the parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago. With a $1 million grant from the Lilly Foundation, this new initiative will lead the way in healing and building vitality in parishes. Fr. Gerard shares the ways in which Fr. Tolton was not deterred by racism or struggle and how his experience can help all of us as we face the challenges of the pandemic, “isms” in our society and Church, and the outcomes of parish communities uniting under a new roof. Beth White interviews Fr. James Martin, SJ, about his newest book, “Learning to Pray: A guide for Everyone.” The two discuss the genesis of the book that he worked on for about a decade. Fr. Jim shares that he wrote if for his 20-something self who had no idea how to pray. After thirty years of being a Jesuit, walking with people at all stages of their faith journey, Fr. Jim sees the importance of having an honest conversation about what does and does not happen in prayer. There is not a right way to pray, just different ways. And at the heart of all prayer, is God reaching for us.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, executive director of the Catholic Mobilizing Network, which seeks to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice, talks about the potential for ending the federal death penalty under President Joe Biden, who is the first sitting U.S. president to openly oppose the death penalty. Segment II: Anthony Holter, president of Empower Illinois, the scholarship-granting organization for the Tax Credit Scholarship program used by most Catholic schools in Illinois, discusses the organization’s recently released annual report. Segment III: Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Teutopolis, talks about House Bill 697, which calls for a 50% income tax credit on contributions to pregnancy resource centers. Segment IV: Geno Fernandez, president of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s school board, talks about raising money for the Archdiocese’s $1.4 million Gratitude Fund, which distributed $250 to full-time employees in Archdiocesan schools and $100 to part-time employees as a thank-you for their efforts toward in-person learning during the pandemic.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The entire hour of today's program is dedicated to the season of Lent. Guests Todd Williamson and Terry Navarro spend time discussing Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent.

A new award-winning documentary has been released sharing the life-affirming work done every day at The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) to help the homeless. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome filmmaker Lucia Mauro and Jacqueline Hayes, founder of CHI to discuss “I Have A Name,” and the constellation of people and organizations working to eradicate poverty and homelessness.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update about Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. Segment II: On Juneteenth, 2020, Marian Catholic High School senior, Tamera Trimuel, published her first book titled Dear Black Girl, You are IT! Guest: Tamera Trimuel. Segment III: Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi speak with some of the African American Heritage Award winners for 2021. Guests: Tracy Aldaz; Lee Von Overton; Jadyn Thomas.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 1, 29-39, del domingo, 7 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 5 de febrero de 2021

In today’s show, co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interview Connie Rakitan of Faith and Fellowship, as well as Deacon Al Sedivy. Both guests address ministerial outreach to those who endure mental illness, together with those who accompany and love those so afflicted. Both initiatives are connected with the Archdiocese’s Commission on Mental Illness. The origins of Faith and Fellowship, its present course and outreach are explained. In a word or two that doesn’t do justice to what they do, Faith and Fellowship is a way for those with mental illness to be accompanied in seeing their experiences as part of everyone’s walk with the Lord. Loving support, companionship and talk about our Faith is offered in structured small groups. For information about Faith and Fellowship, you can email [email protected] or call 708.383.9276 or go to the website at www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/persons-with-disabilities. The other initiative, Moving Forward in Hope, was outlined by Deacon Al Sedivy. These monthly Zoom meetings are ways for family and those with mental illness to pray together for one hour one day a month. People are able to register on a monthly basis to join the conversation and prayer. A Scripture passage is chosen and discussed in small break-out groups. No prior experience with Scripture is expected. The only requirement is to have an open heart and a willingness to at least listen to others pray and reflect. The meetings are on the fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 PM. You can register by emailing Deacon Tom Lambert at [email protected] or using the contact information for the Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness at www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/persons-with-disabilities

Back with us is Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ (see January 7, 2021 show), joined by Sr. Anita Baird, DHM (Religious Congregation of the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary www.dhm.org). Sr. Anita served as late Cardinal George’s Chief of Staff in 1997 and founding director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Racial Justice in 2000. Sr. Anita was past president of the National Black Sisters’ Conference and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. She has been given various awards and recognitions for spiritual and community leadership both locally and nationally. Sisters Maria and Anita talked about their collaboration on the 3-part series, ”A Call to Transformative Love in Religious Life: Stories of Race, Place and Grace,” (videocast accessible from https://learn.ctu.edu/?s=race) during Black Catholic History Month in November. Another 3-part series will be offered on three Mondays: March 8, 15 and 22, 2021, which we will hear about next time on Dare to Love.

Dawn and Ray offer a tribute to Joe Scheidler – “the Godfather of Pro-life Advocacy” who died at 93 on January 18, 2021. Eric Scheidler, son of Joe and Executive Director of Pro-life Action League shares stories and history of Joe’s legacy. During the last segment of the show, Dawn and Ray introduce Dr. Angela Swain, new director of the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity.

Casa Catalina is a vibrant, life-saving Food Pantry in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Clients can receive a wide range of assistance, because of the dedication and resourcefulness of the staff and volunteers. Sister Joellen Tumas has recently retired after fifteen years of service to Catholic Charities, the past ten of which have been as Director at Casa Catalina. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sister Joellen to celebrate her remarkable contributions to the agency, and the beautiful spirit of charity that defines Casa Catalina.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on vaccines. Segment II: Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Sr. Patricia Crowley, O.S.B., and Sr. Belinda Monahan, O.S.B., talk about the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago and upcoming events.

Catholic Chicago looks at the spiritual and theological foundations for the Annual Catholic Appeal. The Voice of Charity explores ways to remove barriers to health equity in Lake County. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers are featured on Catholic Chicago. And time is spent on Mental Illness Awareness.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and a Lenten retreat called "Learn to Live the Joy of the Gospel." Guests: Deacon Kevin McCarthy; Walter Hidalgo. Segment II: Mental Illness Awareness and a monthly virtual program called "Moving Forward in Hope." Guests: Deacon Tom Lambert; Deacon Al Sedivy.

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 Eucharist.

A disproportionate number of Black and Latinx residents in Lake County have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The African American Community Partnership Group (AACPG) is a grassroots organization that has been using innovative ways to help residents get the information and resources they need to help stop the spread of the virus. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Gale Graves and Demetrius Willis to discuss how community partners, like the AACPG and Catholic Charities are working together to reach all residents and eradicate this disparity.

Host: Mark Teresi. The Annual Catholic Appeal begins the weekend of January 30/31, 2021. Our guests this hour discuss the spritual, theological foundation, and history of the Appeal. The beneficiaries of the Appeal and ways to make a gift are also discussed. Guests: Brendan Keating; Fr. Lou Cameli; Barbara Shea Collins; Fr. Wayne Watts; Elizabeth Anastasia

Megan talks with Josh Goralski Founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities, a non-profit social enterprise working to provide Haitian church communities the tools and resources necessary to be their own catalysts for economic, social and environmental change. Josh explains where the idea this work came from and how community members in Haiti called for sustainable forms of transformation and growth. He connects this work with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

To kick off the first show of the new year, co-host Jenn Delvaux discusses spiritual practices and the role of Catholic faith in public life. For the first half of the show, Laura Lies, Spiritual Director and founder of Streams of Grace, joins Jenn to discuss how and why we should draw closer to God despite so much uncertainty for the new year ahead. Laura offers useful advice on how people can actively listen to God in their lives and how we can accompany those in our lives who seek an encounter with Christ. For the second half of the show Jenn is joined by Dr. Steven Millies, Associate Professor of Public Theology at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and Director of The Bernadin Center at CTU. Jenn and Dr. Millies discuss Public Theology and how we as Catholics are called to act and live out our faith in our daily lives.

Bank of America has been one of Catholic Charities most steadfast corporate supporters for many years. From financial support to employee volunteerism, Bank of America shares our commitment to improving the lives of families and communities, particularly through support for our Family Stabilization Services, Child Development and Domestic Violence programs. Join Marie Jochum and Phil Buta as they welcome Edward J. Brennan to discuss the many ways that Bank of America has worked with Catholic Charities to help fulfill the mission of the agency.