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.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Jennifer Daniels, USCCB associate director for public policy, talks to Bob about what aid is available to Catholic schools in the recent stimulus package passed by Congress. Segment II: Justin Lombardo, chief human resources and staff development officer for the Archdiocese of Chicago , on the success of Archdiocesan schools to hold in-person classes during the pandemic. Segment III: Abe Scarr, state director of Illinois PIRG, on the recent passage of the Predatory Loan Prevention Act during an intense lame-duck sesson.

The Voice of Charity explores the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) We hear about how Carmel Catholic High School plans to celebrate Respect Life Month, and representatives of St. Andrew school talk about a special initiative they did to help a fellow school community on Catholic Schools Today. And Lifelong Journey host Clarissa Aljantara spends time talking to Bishop Joseph Perry and Fr. Gerard Jordan about Fr. Augustus Tolton.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 35-42, del domingo, 17 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 15 de enero de 2021

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Nonviolence Works is having a 40 hour training session dedicated to developing techniques for living a nonviolent life. The virtual sessions are free of charge and begin Saturday, January 16 at 10AM and continue for the next ten weeks. Guests: Phil Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: United for Peace and the Center for Nonviolence from the college of Lake County are holding a virtual Martin Luther King Junior Celebration on Sunday January 17th. Guests: Shalini Gupta; Larry Leck; Larry Campbell

We are joined by Most Reverend Joseph Perry and Fr. Gerard Jordan in learning more about the Tolton Spirituality Center established in late 2020. The center is named for Venerable Father Augustus Tolton who ministered in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago. The center will be a place where parishes locally and nationally can come to know about the spirituality that guided Tolton's life.

Catholic Charities Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) works with individuals to improve their work skills through short-term training and work assignments. By showing clients how they can earn credentials and gain professional experience, SNAP helps participants reach greater economic self-sufficiency. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Kendrea Atkins and Tina Goodwin to discuss how the SNAP program creates new career possibilities for Catholic Charities clients.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Jim Rigg gives an update about Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools. Segment II: Carmel Catholic's Move the Movement. Guests: Dr. Brad Bonham; Fr. Christian Shiu; Brian Stith. Segment III: St. Andrew School Raises Money for Catholic School Families. Guests: Liz Vincent; Julie Richard; Sarah Casavechia; Christine Boyd.

Cardinal Blase Cupich reflects on the challenging year that just ended. We hear about the upcoming annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity We hear about a New Year's Eve tradition at Gibson's Steakhouse. And January is a busy and important month for Respect Life activities.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 1, 7-11, del domingo, 10 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 8 de enero de 2021

Our guest today is Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ (Religious Society of the Sacred Heart - https://rscj.org/), who is a faculty member at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago and founding director of the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life (CSCL) at CTU. The goal of the Center is to dynamically engage in research and dialogue on contemporary issues in consecrated life today. For more information, visit: https://ctu.edu/cscl/ In this half-hour glimpse, Sr. Maria talks about her journey that brought her from Slovenia, to Cleveland, Ohio, through her travels abroad, and currently to Chicago and the experiences that led her to her current ministry. She wrote a book called “Religious Life for Our World: Creating Communities of Hope” and co-edited with Roger Schroeder, SVD, the book, “Engaging Our Diversity: Interculturality and Consecrated Life Today,” that features various presenters on intercultural topics. Both books are available from Orbis Books and Amazon.

Confronting the challenges of dislocation caused by addiction, compounded oftentimes by homelessness and violence, women who have made it through substance abuse detoxification have miles to go before they are home again—home again both literally and spiritually. In today’s conversation, co-hosts Deacon Dave Brencic and Deacon Richard Hudzik speak with Deacon Peter Brown who serves as board treasurer of a frontline ministry of a non-profit known as Southside Center of Hope. Joining from the Southside Center’s staff is Katherine Newman who is development and communications coordinator. Listen in to how this Woodlawn area residence helps recovering women get their feet back on the ground, find work, peace, sobriety and a place to live. Details about the Southside Center of Hope can be found at https://www.southsidecenterofhope.org/. Also, if you have questions, you can call Katherine Newman at the Center at 773.643.5843. It is an inspiring story and one that would be delighted with your help.

Dawn and Ray open the show with an interview of Dr Linda Couri, faculty at Mundelein Seminary, who shares her conversion experience as a former Planned Parenthood employee and the discuss the March for Life Chicago Rally in Mundelein, which will be held on Sunday January 17th at 1PM at Carmel High School. Dr Couri is a speaker at the Rally. After Dr Couri, Bob Gilligan from Catholic Conference of Illinois joins the call to discuss the Bishops’ statement on the ethical nature of the Covid-19 vaccines. And finally, Dawn and Ray talk with Tim Koch, who is the coordinator of the Covid-anointing team, on which they all serve. The Covid-anointing team offers anointing of the sick to those Catholic patients in Chicago who are actively dying of Covid-19.

For the past thirteen years, the iconic Gibsons steakhouse has opened its doors in the New Year to serve Catholic Charities clients a festive and delicious restaurant meal free of charge. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Gibsons is continuing this extraordinary tradition by delivering meals this weekend to seniors and veterans living in Catholic Charities apartment buildings. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Kevin Arnold from Gibsons to discuss how this incredibly generous event has evolved over the years.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dan Olsen and Rev. Courtney Reid, Director of Operations for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, talk about the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Segment II: Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.