Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 14, 13-21, del domingo, 2 de agosto de 2020. Viernes, 31 de julio de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Award-winning author and speaker Amy "A.J." Cattapan talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about what's keeping her busy during the COVID-19 pandemic…from helping to organize a retreat to working on another book. Segment II: Greg Pierce, publisher of ACTA Publications in Chicago, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about his blog and specifically disinvestment in minority communities.

Domestic Violence is a difficult, but very important topic to discuss. Catholic Charites works with closely with the Archdiocese of Chicago to ensure that resources are available at all times for victims in need of safety, counseling, and assistance once they flee a dangerous situation. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Fr. Charles Dahm and Deborah Hammond who will share details about the extensive work they have done, in parishes and throughout the area to increase greater awareness about Domestic Violence and assist victims.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Representatives of Non-Violence Works discuss the principles and practices of non-violence as a skill to help reduce violence in Chicago. Guests: Philip Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: Fr. Dom Grassi joins Fr. Greg and Mark to discuss his blog on COVID-19, his latest mystery, and life in general.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois director Bob Gilligan leads a discussion about the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the Trump administration’s decision to end the DACA program. The Voice of Charity talks about Catholic Charities Health Fairs and the free health services they offer to vulnerable populations Health protocols and spiritual connections are explored on Focus on the Liturgy And Catholic Chicago co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi bid farewell to Brother Michael Segvich.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Brother Michael Segvich joins Fr. Greg and Mark as he wraps up his time with the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Religious. Brother Mike is about to begin a 6-year term on his province's leadership team in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Segment II: Joyce Duriga, Editor of Chicago Catholic, talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about the stories she's been covering during COVID-19. Joyce also talks about her recently published book, Augustus Tolton: The Church is the True Liberator.

During these times we are worshiping and celebrating liturgy in ways we never had before. We have smaller assemblies, we keep distance, we disinfect, and we don’t sing. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) take a look at these health protocols and discuss some of the spiritual connections that we might be able to make. How can we still be present to one another when we have to keep distance? What implications are there for our understanding of the Body of Christ when the liturgical assembly is smaller? These are the questions that Timothy and Todd discuss in this broadcast.

Catholic Charities Summer Health Fairs offer free health services to vulnerable populations. The National Association of Hispanic Nurses is one of Catholic Charities partners helping to facilitate these fairs that offer glucose tests, Back To School check-ups, and other screenings to grateful individuals and families. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcomes Enrique Alonso and Gloria Barerra to discuss the Health Fairs planned for this year.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Ashley Feasley, director of policy for the USCCB's Migration and Refugee Services, joins Bob to talk about the recent U.S. Supreme Court 5-4 ruling that the Trump administration's decision to end the DACA program safeguarding young undocumented immigrants from deportation was "arbitrary and capricious." Segment II: Jim Geoly, partner with the Chicago law firm of Burke, Warren, McKay and Serritella, talks about a recent U.S. Supreme Court case and its impact on religious freedom and employment discrimination. Segment III: Jim Rigg, superintendent for the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, talks about the recently issued guidelines for reopening Catholic schools in the fall amid the ongoing pandemic.

Catholic Schools Today gives an update on the re-opening of Catholic Schools in the Fall. The Voice of Charity pays tribute to outgoing president and CEO, Kathy Donahue. And Catholic Chicago highlights some good works being done at St. Mary of the Lake parish in Chicago’s Buena Park neighborhood.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 13, 24-43, del domingo, 19 de julio de 2020. Viernes, 17 de julio de 2020

Megan talks with Brother Charles Nuwagaba a member of the Brothers of St. Charles Lwanga, also known as the Bannakaroli Brothers. Bro. Charles is studying at Loyola University to pursue a masters in pastoral counseling. The Brothers of St. Charles minister in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. They offer ministries of education, healthcare, agricultural services, and economic development with children and marginalized communities. Bro. Charles describes how his studies impact his ministries and how COVID-19 has affected communities in East Africa. He also explains about how he has raised awareness for mission through becoming a finalist for the 2019 Opus Prize, an annual faith-based humanitarian award, and participating in the summer Mission Coop.

Host: Mark Teresi. St. Mary of the Lake Parish has opened a pop-up food pantry in collaboration with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This food pantry serves the needs of at-risk residents of the Buena Park neighborhood, especially immigrants. St. Mary of the Lake will also be hosting a two-day event, in collaboration with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, about the merging of justice with faith. Guests: Pamela Matambanadzo; Claire DesHotels.

In 1975, Kathy Donahue joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, right after college. The Agency has been greatly blessed with her vision, leadership and warmth ever since. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy on this very special edition of The Voice of Charity, as she welcomes Kathy to discuss her remarkable career, her historic year as Acting President, CEO and Administrator, and the inspiring, lasting impact she has had on the lives of countless people.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: An Update about Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Catholic Education. Guests: John Glimco; Julie Ramski. Segment II: Notre Dame College Prep's New President. Guests: Shay Boyle; Dan Tully; Leandra Juarez.

Catholic Chicago hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon, an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. On our Lifelong Journey program, Clarissa Aljentera visits with Emily Cortina of the Kolbe House Jail Ministry. The Renew My Church initiative continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi get an update from Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s delegate to Renew My Church, Strategic Planning and Implementation. And Fr. Greg and Mark visit with Kevin Foy, the Director of the Office of Lifelong Formation.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 13, 1-23, del domingo, 12 de julio de 2020. Viernes, 10 de julio de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Jason Malave and Cliff Barber discuss how they have been able to move forward with the Renew My Church initiative despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Segment II: Kevin Foy with the Office for Lifelong Formation talks about Catholic faith formation during the pandemic, and how his office compliments the evangelization efforts of Renew My Church.

We speak with Emily Cortina with Kolbe House Jail Ministries in Chicago. The topic revolves around accompaniment of families and individuals who are affected by incarceration.

Now in its 19th year, Catholic Charities After Supper Visions programs offers guests of our Tuesday Night Supper the opportunity to grow in their skills as photographers. Many of these guests are experiencing homelessness, and being part of After Supper Visions renews their confidence and their belief in their own abilities during difficult times. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she welcomes Noreen Russo, Catholic Charities Associate Director of Board Relations and Mission Engagement to discuss innovative ASV program developments this summer.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher, and author who has taught at DePaul, Loyola and Northwestern University. Dr. Gordon spends the hour with Fr. Greg discussing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Voice of Charity takes a look at the long-standing relationship between Catholic Charities and Loyola University. On Fully Alive, the Office for Human Dignity and Solidarity explores appropriate responses to the times we live in. And Diakonia explores the important work of Emmaus Ministry.

The conversation continues with the Sisters of Notre Dame. Sisters Stephanie Spandl and Carol Jean Dust share their vocation stories and the SSND charism of seeking unity amidst diversity, their mission and social justice work. Sisters Stephanie and Carol Jean are part of a team who accompanies women exploring their call to religious life. Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] Visit: https://ssnd.org | https://www.sturdyroots.org/

For the July, 2020 broadcast, Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic speak with Jonn Blazey and Deacon Peter Letourneau about the work they both do for Emmaus Ministries. Emmaus, started over thirty years ago by Chicago Deacon John Green, is a ministry of presence and accompaniment to men, typically young men, who are exploited sexually. In a difficult conversation about reaching out, companioning, as well as leading men to a better lifestyle, both Jonn and Peter reflect on how even the most outcast bear the image of Christ. The discussion includes looking at who these young men are, why they are doing what they are doing and what hope there might be for them. More information about Emmaus Ministries can be found at www.streets.org.

Dawn Fitzpatrick leads this hour with Ryan Lents as co-host in the first half to discuss the principals and practices of Nonviolence Works with Phillip Bradley and Larry Campbell, both leaders in this non-profit initiative to train communities to respond appropriately to differences and conflict. During the second half of the show, Ray Pingoy joins Dawn to discuss the 25th anniversary of St Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae and the prophetic message he had for us today.

Catholic Charities is grateful for our long-standing partnership with Loyola University. This collaboration has resulted in projects that acknowledge the evolution of Social Work into global issues, and incorporate spiritual values into the education of young adults. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Dr. Maria Vidal De Haymes, and Dr. Mauricio Cifuentes, two preeminent Loyola University professors, to share updates on our recent joint initiatives and highlight the academic benefits of studying Social Work today.

Todd Williamson leads a discussion about the reopening of our churches for public Mass. St. Joseph parish in Libertyville hosts “drive-in Mass” for senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems. Dr. Mary Amore talks about what Mayslake Ministries is doing during the pandemic. And Vicki Quade hosts a virtual Christmas Bingo: Summer Edition with proceeds benefitting the Daughters of St. Paul.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 10,37-42, del domingo, 28 de junio de 2020. Viernes, 26 de junio de 2020

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: Playwright and comedian Vicki Quade, co-creator of Late Night Catechism and head of Nuns for Fun Entertainment, gives news of a special Summer online performance that's available now. A portion of proceeds will go to the Daughters of St. Paul, whose religious bookstore on Michigan Avenue was heavily damaged by looters following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Also participating in this segment is Sr. Tracey Dugas, Director of Pauline Mission Advancement for the Daughters of St. Paul.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, cohosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) talk with Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman, CPPS about her book, “How Deep the Mystery, Meditating on the Words of the Mass,” which is published by Liturgy Training Publications of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Timothy and Todd talk with Sr. Joyce about using various texts from the Roman Missal as a source of prayer as a way to develop one’s understanding of the Mass, and as a way of developing a spirituality around the prayers of the Mass.

Child Welfare is something we take very seriously at Catholic Charities. During the pandemic, we have been especially concerned about children who are home in the midst of trying and sometimes dangerous circumstances. Join Marie Jochum as she welcomes Catholic Charities executives Laura Rios, Mary Henderson and Judy Griffin to discuss how our programs and services have continued to focus on the safety and well-being of children and families during COVID-19.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Todd Williamson, director of the Office for Divine Worshop, talks about the reopening of our churches for public mass. Segment II: St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville launches a unique way to attend mass without entering a church building. Guests: Deacon Dan Coughlin; Stan Taylor. Segment III: We stay with St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville but shift the conversation to its International Sharing Ministry. Guests: Mary Causey; Deacon Dan Coughlin; Stan Taylor.

The Catholic Conference Hour looks at the relevance of the 2018 pastoral letter on racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.” Bishop Ron Hicks, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, talks about the reopening of our churches for public Mass. The Voice of Charity addresses racial disparities and ensuring that individuals and communities continue to have their basic needs met. And racism is discussed by Beth White and Ryan Lents on the program On The Way.

On the Way focuses on our heightened awareness of racism and how our diocesan newspaper is evangelizing. Host Beth White is joined by Ryan Lents, Director of Human Dignity and Solidarity, to share resources that are available to help us become more aware of and counter racism. Beth and Ryan, in particular, discussed “Open Wide Our Hearts,” the 2018 USCCB pastoral letter against racism. This document and many other resources are available at www.usccb.org/racism. In addition, the Office for Human Dignity and Solidarity is offering peace circles to help us have open dialogue about racism in our culture and Church. You can learn more here. The second part of the show featured Joyce Duriga, Editor of Chicago Catholic. Joyce has been with the local archdiocesan newspaper for 13 years and sees God at work in and through people throughout our archdiocese. She shared the many ways in which listening and storytelling are evangelizing. Joyce is also the author of “Augustus Tolton: The Church is the True Liberator,” a biography of the first known African-American priest in the United States. She has written an article about what Fr. Tolton would think about today’s events. To read that article, learn more about our local newspaper and how to become a subscriber, visit: www.chicagocatholic.com.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 10,26-33, del domingo, 21 de junio de 2020. Viernes, 19 de junio de 2020

Megan talks with Dr. Mike Gable, Director of the Mission Office in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Professor of Theology at Xavier University. Dr. Gable shares how he understands the reality of racism using the works of U.S. Catholic Bishops and drawing from his personal experiences as a lay missionary and as a pastoral minister. He reflects on the Church's social teachings and the life of Jesus Christ as a key way to connect work to combat the sin of racism and our common call to mission.

As Catholic Charities continues to respond to the growing number of people most significantly affected by COVID-19, we are immensely grateful to our corporate partners for recognizing how important their support is to our work. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Phillip Buta, Catholic Charities Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations as they welcome Sean Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer for The United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, and Helene Gayle, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Chicago Community Trust, to discuss our collaboration in addressing racial disparities and ensuring that individuals, and communities continue to have their basic needs met. Note: The first 7 minutes of this program is missing due to a technical issue

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Danielle Brown, associate director for USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, talks to Bob about the relevance of the 2018 pastoral letter on racism, "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love." Segment II: Dan Philpott, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, joins Bob to talk about the executive order advancing international religious freedom recently signed by President Donald Trump. Segment III: Bishop Ron Hicks, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago, joins Bob to talk about the reopening of churches for public Mass. Segment IV: Pete Newburn, ecumenical officer for the Diocese of Joliet, talks to Bob about the ecumenical virtual rally for racial justice hosted by Bishop Pates and other faith and civic leaders on Saturday.

St. Hubert students were winners at the recent Chicago Student Invention Convention. Catholic Charities serves clients in Lake County and promotes the 2020 Art of Caring event. Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi talk with representatives of Nonviolence Works. And we hear about the importance of exercise and how to add a spiritual twist to your exercise routine.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 6,51-58, del domingo, 14 de junio de 2020. Viernes, 12 de junio de 2020

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Following George Floyd's death and the civil unrest that followed, representatives of Non-Violence Works joined Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about principles and practices of non-violence as a skill. Guests: Philip Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: The importance of exercise, how to be creative with exercise, and adding a spiritual twist to your exercise routine. Guests: Michele Sotak; Fr. Lou Cameli.

Learning to support Theology on Tap in our new reality has meant shifting spaces and utilizing technology. Pablo Padilla of the Young Adult Engagement Team is working to set up a Theology on Tap experience to meet young adults in this new reality.

In recent weeks, the Voice of Charity has featured Catholic Charities staff and volunteers who have been heroic in their efforts to respond to the increased number of requests for assistance in Cook County. This week, we welcome Ashley Styx, Lake County Program Director of Emergency Assistance, and Christine Farrell, Lake County Women’s Board Member who will join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to share an update on Lake County Services and the exciting Art of Caring virtual event that is online this year.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. Hubert students inventions win at Chicago Student Invention Convention. Guests: Kelly O'Hara; Emma; Katie; Samantha. Segment II: St. Leonard School graduates looking forward to continuing their Catholic education in high school. Guests: Colleen Manika; Jorge; Nico.

Cardinal Blase Cupich talks about the struggles the entire country is facing right now, and the Catholic response Fr. Matt O’Donnell gives a first-hand perspective on how communities of color are affected by both the pandemic and the death of George Floyd And the Dare to Love program checks in with part of the vocation team with the School Sisters of Notre Dame

Sister Lovina checks in with guests Sr. Bridget Waldorf and Sr. Jill Lazsewksi, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) who are part of a vocation ministry team. Sr. Bridget and Sr. Jill share their vocation stories - journeys that took time to unfold, how their congregation was formed in response to the need for education for young women, and then left some words of wisdom to listeners about the importance of being open to God’s call in our lives by taking time to pray and journeying with others because discernment is a step by step process. The SSND vocation team offer accompaniment to help sort out the sense of call from God in their hearts. Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] Visit: https://ssnd.org | https://www.sturdyroots.org/

The June, 2020 broadcast brings spiritual directors Helene Albano and Deacon Jerry Nora to talk with co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic. The four-way conversation picks up where it left off last month with a brief review of what spiritual direction is and who it is for (everyone!). To give a flavor of what happens in a spiritual direction session the conversation engaged in a few minutes of role-playing. Finally, the guests offered suggestions for those who simply cannot avail themselves of spiritual direction for whatever reason--seek the spirit of gratitude and openness to the awareness of God’s presence in all of life.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Fr. Greg talks with Cardinal Blase Cupich about the Church's response in these disheartening times. Segment II: Fr. Greg welcomes Fr. Matt O'Donnell, pastor of St. Columbanus, to discuss the status of the neighborhood where he ministers. As one of the priests who ministers to COVID-19 patients, Fr. Matt talks about how the pandemic disproportionately affects communities of color.

Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, discussed the challenges and beauty found in the special ministry of anointing the sick during the COVID-19 pandemic with Fr. Wayne Watts. Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston talked about the last days of the Easter Season on Focus on the Liturgy. And on Catholic Chicago, co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi welcomed Fr. Richard Fragomeni to the program.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20,19-23, del domingo, 31 de mayo de 2020. Viernes, 29 de mayo de 2020