Throughout the last two months, Catholic Charities Call Center has received an unprecedented number of calls from people profoundly affected by the pandemic. In this show, Mary Gault, Coordinator in our Family Stabilization Services Department joins co-hosts Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to discuss the Call Center activity and the orderly structure that is in place to respond to each call, with assistance as quickly as possible.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. John Kartje, Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary/University of St. Mary of the Lake, talks about the seminary hosting a virtual May Crowning on May 3. Segment II: The Overall Impact of COVID-19 on the Church and our Health Care System. Guests: Fr. William Grogan; Kathy Donahue; James Sifuentes; Dawn Mayer.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with registered nurse Jennifer Junis about an important partnership during the COVID-19 crisis. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, visit with a couple of guests about how Catholic Charities is responding to the needs of its client needs during these challenging times. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss how Catholics can experience the richness of the Easter Season despite stay at home orders. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and co-host Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon about pandemics, epidemics and the Church.

Conversación con Victor Vallejo de la oficina de formación para toda la vida sobre sesiones de Pre Cana Virtual. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 24, 13-35 del domingo, 26 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 24 de abril de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. In today's program Dr. Gordon talks about the history of the Catholic Church in regards to pandemics and epidemics.

Broadcasted during the Second Week of the Glorious Season of Easter, this edition of Focus on the Liturgy centers on the theology and spirituality of the season. Co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson talk about the Triduum in the time of Covid-19 and how, even under a stay-at-home order, Catholics can touch into the rich profundity of this Season of New Life.

Catholic Charities continues to meet the needs of the vulnerable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Some individuals and families are reaching out to Catholic Charities for the first time, as they find themselves without homes, food and necessary supplies. Join Co-Hosts Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sharon Tillmon, Department Director for Family Stabilization Services and Tallet Vanek, Assistant Director of our Special Supplemental Food Department to discuss how Catholic Charities is adapting to respond to client needs in these challenging times.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Bob talks to bishop-elect Michael McGovern about his recent appointment to the diocese of Belleville. Segment II: Lauren McCormack, executive director of the USCCB's office of government relations, talks to Bob about the recent CARES Act and it's provisions for faith-based entities. Segment III: Jennifer Junis, RN, MSN, discusses OSF HealthCare's partnership with the state of Illinois with the Pandemic Health Worker Program (PHWP). Segment IV: Steve Roach, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield, talks with Bob about the agency's free, new COPE line, in which therapists will listen to and talk with residents of the 28-county diocese who are stressed out because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg discuss E-Learning during the COVID-19 crisis with guests Dr. Molly Cinnamon, Jackie Sulton and Christine O'Connor. Brigid Murphy talks with guests from Catholic Charities who are involved with the LOSS program, which promotes hope and healing to survivors of suicide. On the Way co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux talk with Tom Howard from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and Kim Haggerty from St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish about reaching out to their parishioners and beyond. And Megan Mio of our Mission Matters program visits with Sr. Alice Vandenoever about how the global health emergency is affecting our brothers and sisters in mission areas.

Conversación con el Padre Manuel Dorantes, párroco de la parroquia Santa Maria del Lago, sobre el ofrecer la unción de los enfermos durante la pandemia y la apertura de una despensa de alimentos provisional en su parroquia. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-31 del domingo, 19 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 17 de abril de 2020

Megan talks with Sr. Alice Vandenoever, a Maryknoll Sister who was sent to the Philippines to teach and later work with non-profit service organizations in the urban setting of Manila. They discuss how a global health emergency like the current pandemic will likely affect our brothers and sisters in mission areas. Sr. Alice provides a realistic picture of what life is like for many communities struggling with poor sanitation and little access to healthcare.

On the Way focuses on how we are continuing to provide a sense of community and connection while we are under a “stay at home” order. Host Beth White is joined by co-host and Senior Coordinator for the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, Jenn Delvaux, and Michelle Shaffer, Associate Director of the Institute for Lay Formation at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Together they discuss how the Archdiocese of Chicago has pulled together parish leaders to offer Alpha Online. Several parishes with experience offering “in-person” Alpha have members of their teams serving as hosts and helpers for this online version. If you or anyone you know is interested, visit https://pvm.archchicago.org/evangelization/events to register. Tom Howard from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and Kim Haggerty from St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish join Beth White to share the ways in which their parish communities have reached out to their parishioners and beyond. From old fashioned phone trees, to online devotions, to weekly meetings with catechists to brainstorm, parishes are finding creative ways to build community and reach outward in love.

For 41 years, Catholic Charities internationally-recognized LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. This year’s annual gathering of the LOSS community is going to be a groundbreaking, virtual event on April 26. Fr. Charles Rubey, Founder and Director of LOSS joins Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to provide an update on LOSS and this year’s Blossoms Of Hope event. Annie Scully Tumpis, Catholic Charities Special Events Manager will also join the conversation to share details of Blossoms of Hope, an annual gathering of the LOSS community, which will be a very inspiring, virtual event on April 26.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Social and Emotional Learning. Guests: Yesenia Maldonado; Casimer Badynee Segment II: E-learning/Alternative Learning. Guests: Dr. Molly Cinnamon; Jackie Sulton; Christine O'Connor

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Communications Director, Mark Smelzter, about how that organization has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis Author Mary Doyle talked about her book, The Alzheimer's Spouse: Finding the Grace to Keep the Promise. And guest host Brigid Murphy led a conversation about changes in Holy Week services in Chicago with Father Gerard Kelly, Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. Mary Ellen Kastenholz, professor at Loyola University and Staff Writer of Keenager News, also participated in the conversation.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 1-9 del domingo, 12 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 10 de abril de 2020

We speak with Cheslea Baldwin and Emily Macdonnell from the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation as they outlines ideas and resources for accompanying youth during this time. We walk through techniques and opportunities for youth ministers and pastoral leaders to work with families and youth using online opportunities and a myriad of free resources.

Christians around the world are preparing to participate in Holy Week activities in highly unusual ways, with leaders of all faith traditions adapting as best as they can. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she discusses changes in Holy Week services in the Catholic Church in Chicago with Reverend Gerard Kelly, CM, Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. Also joining in the discussion will be Mary Ellen Kastenholz, professor at Loyola University and Staff Writer of Keenager News. Mary Ellen will share insights from her trip to the Holy Land, where she saw the places believed to be where Jesus suffered his Passion and Death.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Guest: Mark Schmeltzer. Segment II: Author Mary Doyle talks about her book, The Alzheimer's Spouse: Finding the Grace to Keep the Promise.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Greg Pierce, Publisher of ACTA Publications, about what community organizations in Chicagoland are doing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi talk with Kay Metres, author of the book "After the Fear, Come the Gifts: Breast Cancer's Nine Suprising Blessings." Also joining the conversation is Brigid Gerace, one of the narrators of the audio version of that book. For 41 years, Catholic Charities LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. LOSS Founder and Director Fr. Charles Rubey joined Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy with details of this year’s virtual Blossoms of Hope event. And Ryan Lents visits with Sr. Pat Bergen and Sr. Kathy Sherman from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph for a discussion on Caring for God’s Creation and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in light of COVID-19.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 26, 14–27, 66 del domingo, 5 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 3 de abril de 2020

The April, 2020 broadcast brings Teresa Pennix-Gill and her husband Deacon LeRoy Gill to join co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic. The four-way conversation reflected on life during the “shelter-in-place” phenomenon. Also, tune in to hear about Teresa’s work with Parenting 4 Nonviolence and Deacon LeRoy’s work with young people at St. Dorothy Parish, at St. Kilian, and at the Academy of St. Benedict the African. Teresa’s ministry is to parents, for the benefit of their children. Parenting 4 Nonviolence offers practical advice and sound guidance to parents raising children from very young ages to the teen years. More information is available at www.parenting4nonviolence.org. Deacon LeRoy similarly focuses on service to the younger generation by blessing them, teaching them and encouraging them to not limit themselves.

Sr. Lovina checks in with guests Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (Divine Word Missionaries) and Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC (Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ) on how our day to day lives have been affected by the pandemic, prompting us to use our time in a different way and be more creative with our events when we can’t host in-person gatherings. Reflection and prayers are offered to bring hope to this world.

On today’s program, Ryan Lents speaks with Noreen Russo, Manager of Catholic Charities’ Junior Board about an outreach initiative developed by Saint Joseph in Francis Xavier in Wilmette to contact elderly and isolated parishioners during COVID-19. Andrew McKernin, Volunteer Relations Project Manager, joins next to share ways for the community to volunteer and support Catholic Charities. For the second half of the show, Ryan speaks with Sr. Pat Bergen and Sr. Kathy Sherman from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph about caring for God’s creation and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in light of COVID-19.

For 41 years, Catholic Charities internationally-recognized LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. This year’s annual gathering of the LOSS community is going to be a groundbreaking, virtual event on April 26. Fr. Charles Rubey, Founder and Director of LOSS joins Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to provide an update on LOSS and this year’s Blossoms Of Hope event.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Greg Pierce, Publisher of ACTA Publications, talks about what community organizations in Chicagoland are doing about the pandemic. Segment II: Kay Metres, author of the book "After the Fear, Come the Gifts: Breast Cancer's Nine Suprising Blessings" and Brigid Gerace, one of the narrators of the audio book version, talk about the book.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with the Director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, Mary Jane Doerr, about how her office is impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. And in Focus on the Liturgy, Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Liturgy Training Publications Editor Timothy Johnston discuss how Lenten liturgical observances are being impacted by the health crisis.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 11, 1-45 del domingo, 29 de marzo de 2020. Viernes, 27 de marzo de 2020

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss how we can maintain a prayer life and a liturgical life during the shelter-in-place period we are all experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They discuss prayer resources, techniques to use to help us feel connected to one another and the greater Church, and they talk specifically about the liturgies of Holy Week.

Humble Design is a philanthropic organization dedicated to furnishing homes for families and veterans transitioning from homelessness. Humble Design has assisted over 1400 families since 2009, including residents of Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Julie Dickinson, Director of Humble Design and Camille Richardson, New Hope Apartments Case Manager Supervisor to discuss this inspiring example of generosity.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mary Jane Doerr, director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, talks about how her office is impacted by COVID-19. Segment II: Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, talks about how worhip is being affected by the virus outbreak. Segment III: Jim Disch, Director of the Radio/TV Office, gives an update on where Catholics can find daily and Sunday masses online.

Voice of Charity host Marie Jochum chats with Catholic Charities Director of Communications, Brigid Murphy, about how the organization has been working to adjust operational protocols to follow public health directives while continuing to support its clients. Beth White, host of On the Way, talked with Ryan Lents and Todd Williamson about how the Archdiocese is being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 9, 1-41 del domingo, 22 de marzo de 2020. Viernes, 20 de marzo de 2020

Megan interviews two Archdiocese of Chicago based co-founders of Microfinance Alliance Africa Partners Foundation: Pete Tantillo and Dcn. Don Grossnickle who are both retired educators. MAAPF is a non-profit foundation based in the U.S. that supports medical missions in Uganda, East Africa. It was founded to offer small grants to support clinics and community development projects in rural Africa. The main goal of the foundation is to protect and support mothers and babies at risk for malaria. Supporting this kind of sustainable microfinancing is one great way to give alms during Lent.

During this time of uncertainty with COVID-19, On the Way focuses on how we care for our ourselves and our neighbors and how we can stay together in prayer. Host Beth White is joined for the first half of the show by Ryan Lents, Director of the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, to discuss ways in which you or someone else can get support for food, clothing, and mental health needs during this time- call Catholic Charities at (312) 655-7700. They also discuss ways in which we can continue to support our local restaurants and reach out to our neighbors (to donate food or clothing call (312) 655-7525). If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Andrew McKernin, Volunteer Relations Project Manager for Catholic Charities at (312) 655-7557 or [email protected] The second half of the show, Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, joins Host Beth White to discuss the cancellation of liturgical celebrations, and how we can stay together in prayer even as we are asked to “social distance.” Todd reminds listeners that we are indeed the Body of Christ and shares ways we can connect through the Sunday Mass from Holy Name Cathedral and daily Mass offered at St. James Chapel at the Quigley Center (Online Masses). Gathering together with your family in your home or through one of several virtual gathering tools (Zoom, Teams, Facetime, etc.) or simply by phone, we can continue to pray together. Look for Lenten Resources and other timely tools to help you pray on www.archchicago.org.

Since the Coronavirus outbreak began, Catholic Charities has been working to adjust programmatic and operational protocols, following public health directives and recommendations, to continue to show support to our clients, staff and volunteers, while keeping benefactors and friends informed. Brigid Murphy, Director of Communications joins Marie Jochum on this special edition of The Voice of Charity to provide an update on Catholic Charities programs and services that affect thousands of people throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Bob reflects on the latest developments in regards to the corona virus. Segment II: Bishop Richard Pates, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Joliet, talks about stepping in for Bishop R. Daniel Conlon while he is on medical leave. Segment III: Associate Judge Tom Donnelly of the Circuit Court of Cook County talks about the importance of establishing privilege for restorative justice practices in House Bill 4295. Segment IV: Bob examines the upcoming primary election races, especially the several contested sate and federal races.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk to two student athletes who will soon compete in the national finals of a 3on3 basketball tournament. The Voice of Catholic Charity highlight a service that provides free legal advice for low-income individuals and families. And Mark Teresi discusses the Chicago Polish Ministry with Fr. Marek Smolka.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Marek Smolka, head of Chicago Polish Ministry and Cathedral Associate, is in studio to talk about his role as the head of the Chicago Polish Ministry. Segment II: Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, discusses the season of Lent.

Examining opportunities for faith formation in the lens of Respect Life - Guests Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ray Pingoy discuss opportunities for all ages to deepen their faith and awareness around respect life issues. Various opportunities for faith-sharing, local events and even summertime camps can help people of all ages understand their role more deeply when it comes to understanding more around respect life.

Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) assists thousands of low-income and no-income individuals each year. Experienced staff members and volunteer attorneys offer free advice and help clients become aware of their rights and responsibilities as they navigate the legal system. CCLA also helps clients prepare basic legal documents for themselves. On this show, Fr. Wayne Watts, Hilda Bahena and Samuel Fifer join Marie and Michael to provide an update on CCLA’s client services and share details of a special upcoming event.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Girl's Basketball Team Heads to Nationals. Guests: Gia and Cammie. Segment II: African American Heritage Award Recipient. Guests: Senite Barih; Mike Greg

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi interview Fr. Hans Zollner and Juan Carlos Cruz about safeguarding children. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare talk with their guests about Ladder Up, an organization that offers free tax preparation services to thousands of people in need. Ryan Lents and Dawn FitzPatrick from the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity talk with Christopher West, founder of the Cor Project. And Deacon Richard Hudzik visits with Deacon Gerry Keenan, Director of Operations with Renew My Church.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 17, 1-9 del domingo, 8 de marzo de 2020. Viernes, 6 de marzo de 2020

Chicago’s Got Sisters for Women Discerning Religious Life Today’s guest is Sister Kara Davis, Daughters of Charity, who first met her community at a “Nun Run” (Indy’s Got Sisters) in Indianapolis and again at a Chicago’s Got Sisters event. Now one of the coordinators, Sister Kara talks about what this 24-hour “no strings attached” event involves, including meeting several congregations and opportunities for prayer and gathering information. The next Chicago’s Got Sister is April 17-18, 2020. To register, visit https://www.vocationscava.org/. Sr. Lovina also promotes a Catholic Sisters Week event on March 11 at CTU. For more info: click https://catholicsistersweek.org/event/stories-of-spirit-and-heart-conversations-with-catholic-sisters/

The March, 2020 broadcast brings Deacon Gerry Keenan, Director of Operations with Renew My Church, to discuss this transformation project. The conversation with host Deacon Richard Hudzik wends its way from where we find ourselves in the Church today in Chicago and in the wider culture to the Church’s challenges as well as opportunities. These challenges and opportunities include calling all Catholics to a life of Faith. This life in Our Lord is to be integral to the life of the individual and a life that is inviting to all who yearn for the transcendent but do not know or have forgotten that the hungers of their hearts can be satisfied by the Good News of Jesus. Further information about Renew My Church can be found at https://www.renewmychurch.org/

On this episode of Fully Alive, Ryan Lents, speaks with Olga Canelas, Beth Knobbe, and Deacon Michael Fekete about CRS Rice Bowl, the Lenten formation program that provides opportunities to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving while growing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters overseas. 25% of Rice Bowl alms go to fund grants that stay in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We also hear about the Global Child Thrive Act and CRS’ Lead The Way campaign. Later on, Ryan is joined by Dawn Fitzpatrick and Christopher West to discuss Made For More, a Theology of the Body presentation that is coming to St. Alphonsus on March 24 and St. Damian on March 25. Made for More will feature reflections, live music, and engaging prayer experiences. Tickets for both events are available for $25, and can be purchased here.

Filing taxes is an important legal and civic responsibility for all Americans. Yet, for many people it can be a true hardship. One of Catholic Charities longtime partners is Ladder Up, an organization that does a tremendous job offering free tax preparation services to thousands of people in need. Join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Christine Cheng, Executive Director of Ladder Up and Doris Wilson, Director of Special Projects for Catholic Charities Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Food Centers Program to discuss how this partnership works to assist our clients.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Amanda Thompson, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at DePaul University, talks about Catholics on campus. Segment II: Fr. Hans Zollner and Mr. Juan Carlos Cruz talk about safeguarding children in the church. Fr. Zollner is one of the world's leading experts in the area of safeguarding minors. He is the President of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian Institute in Rome, a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and a consultor to the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy. Juan Carlos Cruz is an advocate for victim-survivors and a survivor himself. He influenced the Pope to set the stage for the global Church to move away from thinking that survivors want to destroy the Church, but instead, to partner with victims as they move forward with their lives as Catholics.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz gets into the Lenten spirit by talking with two men who are in charge of fish fries at local parishes. Fr. Greg keeps the Lenten theme going by visiting with Brian Brach of the Radio-TV office about Lenten reflections that are available via social media. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare of Catholic Charities visit with Alessandro DiSanto, an active member of Catholic Charities Junior Board and co-founder of Hallow, currently the most popular Catholic app in the nation. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston engage in a timely discussion on the theology and spirituality that guide us during Lent. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi invite Mark Schmeltzer into the studio to discuss Mercy Home for Boys and Girls’ annual March for Kids. And Fr. Greg and Mark talk with Josh Goralski, founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities.