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.

Entrevista con el Padre Robeth Molina Torres sobre la Declaración de nulidad matrimonial. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 1-11 del domingo, 1 de marzo de 2020. Viernes, 28 de febrero de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mark Schmeltzer, Director of Communications for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls talks about their annual March for Kids Campaign. Segment II: Josh Goralski, Founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities, a social enterprise that puts economic power in the hands of Haitians to create an environment of self-respect and sustainability.

Airing on Ash Wednesday, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy explores all the aspect of the Great Season of Lent. Co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson discuss the theology of the season, the rites that belong to it – including the RCIA – and the spirituality that guides us during the 40 days.

In anticipation of Ash Wednesday, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare discuss Shrove Tuesday traditions, and they welcome Alessandro DiSanto, an active member of Catholic Charities Junior Board who also is Co-Founder of Hallow, currently the most popular Catholic app in the nation. Alessandro will share how Hallow can help users find peace and spiritual growth, this Lent and through every season of the year.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Lent and Ash Wednesday at St. Peter's Church in the Loop. Guest: Fr. Bob Hutmacher. Segment II: Fish fries and variations on the tradition throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago will begin this Friday. Guests: Mike McGovern; Tom Spratt. Segment III: Brian Brach talks about Lenten Reflections produced by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Radio/TV Office that will be available on the Archdiocese web site as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Bishop David Malloy of the Diocese of Rockford who recently became Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace. Next, Bob visits with Anthony Holter, executive director of Empower Illinois, the scholarship-granting organization in charge of most of the Tax Credit Scholarships granted to students attending Catholic schools throughout the state. Catholic Charities career experts Mitch Siegel and Jacqueline Small join Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare to discuss how Catholic Charities assists veterans who are pursuing new job opportunities. On the Way co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux welcome guests into the studio to talk about their work with Catholic Relief Services. Beth and Jenn also visit with Juan Pablo Padilla and Maria Aranda from the Young Adult Engagement team. And Built on the Rock co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interview a married couple about faith and family.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 5, 38-48 del domingo, 23 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 21 de febrero de 2020

For this month's show, we interviewed Joe and Siobhan Haugh, a couple that is highly involved not only in parenting but also in their parish and school communities. They have managed to juggle all of these commitments by sharing responsibilities, holding common interests, and resorting to a sense of humor when challenges present themselves.

Today host Beth White and co-host Jenn Delvaux welcomed Beth Knobbe, Community Engagement Manager, and Olga Canelas, Program Director from Honduras for the first half of the show. Olga shared the work she is doing with CRS to help with food security and literacy to students in Honduras. Both Beth and Olga talked about the CRS program Rice Bowl and how it can help deepen one's Lenten journey. In the second half of the show, Juan Pablo Padilla and Maria Aranda from the Young Adult Engagement Team discussed their work to engage the young adult community and specifically how they are using Alpha to help young adults encounter Jesus and be formed as leaders in their ministry. For more information about CRS Rice Bowl visit their website at crsricebowl.org. If you want to know about the Archdiocese’s Young Adult Engagement team visit their website at https://pvm.archchicago.org/young-adult-engagement/about-us

Last year over 300 people received some combination of job readiness training, resume writing, interview coaching and job placement counseling to increase their chances of securing and maintaining employment. Catholic Charities career experts Mitch Siegel and Jacqueline Small join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare to discuss the innovative ways Catholic Charities assists veterans and all interested clients who are pursuing new job opportunities.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Bishop David J. Malloy of the Diocese of Rockford joins Bob to talk about his new role since November as the Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace. Segment II: Nicole Stelle Garnett, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School, joins Bob to talk about Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, a case regarding tax credits for scholarships that was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court last month. Segment III: Anthony Holter, executive director of Empower Illinois, the scholarship-granting organization in charge of most of the Tax Credit Scholarships granted to students attending Catholic schools throughout the state, joins Bob to talk about the organization's Year 2 report.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Catholic Schools superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg discuss the upcoming Annual African American heritage prayer service with Shaka Rawls, Dr. Denise Spells and Felicia Horton. Fr. Greg and Dr. Jim also talk to a nationally recognized teacher from St. Hilary School. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Debra Davis and Toyia Baker into the studio to discuss clothing programs at Catholic Charities. Clarissa Aljentera sits down with Todd Williamson and Wendy Silhavey to discuss the spiritual journey of RCIA catechumens during Lent. Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi wrap up the broadcast week with the importance of archives in the parishes, and the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 5, 20-22. 27-28. 33-37 del domingo, 16 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 14 de febrero de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Meg Hall, Archdiocese of Chicago Director of Archives and Records Center, talks about the importance of properly taking care of records and documents in a parish. Segment II: A panel of guests talk about the Annual Catholic Appeal 2020. Guests: Elizabeth Anastasia; Brendan Keating; Barbara Shea Collins.

Lent is more than a time for individual prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It can also be a time to reach out and build community especially with the RCIA Catechumens who are more present and visible as they journey toward the Easter Vigil. We discuss enhancing our Lenten journey by accompanying those in the RCIA process. Our guests are Todd Williamson and Wendy Silhavy from the Office for Divine Worship.

Warm clothes are a necessity in the winter months. Professional clothes are also very important, when you are interviewing for a job. In this program, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare are joined by Family Stabilization employees Debra Davis and Toyia Baker to get an update on the various clothing programs Catholic Charities offers, and what their needs are this winter. Also making a guest appearance on this program are Abigail Taylor and Sophia Garling, two hard-working 5th Graders who are planning a special event to collect new pairs of pajamas for people in need.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: The 42nd Annual African American Heritage Prayer Service will be held on February 28. Guests: Felicia Horton; Dr. Denise Spells; Shaka Rawls. Segment II: St. Hilary first grade teacher, Tina Skukan, was recently awarded with a national honor. Guests: Hedi Belkaoui; Tina Skukan; Kathie Donovan.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview the publisher of ACTA Publications, Greg Pierce. Fr. Greg and Mark also have the pleasure of speaking with Helen Reichert Lambin, author of “An A-Z Guide to Letting Go." Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Jalisa Blue and Nancy Morrison into the studio to discuss Adult Day Care Centers. that are increasingly popular with seniors and their families. Ryan Lents and Corinne Woodruff from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity talk with Michael Rabbitt about his efforts to promote racial justice in his parish and throughout the archdiocese. On Dare to Love, Sr. Lovina Pammit visits with Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Vicar for Religious for the Archdiocese of Chicago. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic visit with Deacon Bob Puhala, the Director of the Institute for Diaconal Studies at St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Entrevista con Lupe Preston y Esmeralda Zepeda sobre los servicios de San Jose. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 12-22 del domingo, 9 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 7 de febrero de 2020

Sr. Lovina and guest, Sister Joan McGlinchey, MSC, Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago, discuss the celebration of Consecrated Life Day that was recently held at Our Lady Mother of the Church on February 8, 2020. About 250 consecrated men and women from various congregations gathered. The event culminated in the celebration of Mass with the parish, Cardinal Cupich presiding.

The February, 2020 broadcast showcases the Institute for Diaconal Studies (“IDS”) and the Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral (“ILP”), two of the institutes at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Deacon Bob Puhala attended on behalf of IDS. Ms. Nelly Lorenzo of ILP was sadly unable to make it to the taping of the show. Joining with regular hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic, Deacon Puhala discussed the discernment path for deacon candidates and wives and, most importantly for all listeners, how this path is translatable and applicable to every Christian’s desire to serve and walk more closely through life as a servant, just as Jesus lived. Further information about the two institutes can be found here for IDS and here for ILP.

On today’s program, Ryan Lents and Corinne Woodruff from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity welcome Michael Rabbitt to speak about his experience with promoting racial justice in his parish and throughout the archdiocese. He will be presenting “Lynching in America: Confronting the Legacy of Racial Terror” at 7pm on Thursday, February 27 – Click here for more info. He will also be presenting at a screening of the documentary “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality” on Tuesday, March 3 at 6pm – Click here to RSVP. Ryan and Corinne also speak to Krisanne Valliancourt Murphy, the Executive Director of Catholic Mobilizing Network. CMN works to end the use of the death penalty and transform the US. criminal justice system from punitive to restorative. They recently developed a study guide companion to the film “Just Mercy”, which is currently out in theatres nationwide. Access the study guide here.

Catholic Charities has a wide range of programs to help seniors stay active and enjoy time socializing with one another. Our three Adult Day Care Centers offer fulfilling programs for seniors who want to participate in the recreation, despite their limitations. Tune in as Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Jalisa Blue and Nancy Morrison to discuss the many positive features of these Adult Day Care Centers that are increasingly popular with seniors and their families.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Greg Pierce, publisher of ACTA Publications, talks about his soon-to-be-published book, "Reveille for a New Generation - Organizers and Leaders Reflect on Power." Segment II: Author Helen Reichert Lambin discusses her recently published book, "An A-Z Guide to Letting Go."

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview three guests about Mary Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge and that parish’s partnership with a priest from Zambia to establish a parish in the harsh wilderness of Africa. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare visit with Lakisha Dykes and Mary Johnson, two members of the Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach Program. And Catholic Chicago host Mark Teresi talks with Chicago Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Big Shoulders Fund CEO Josh Hale about an historic agreement that will help ensure the continuing mission of 30 schools for the next ten years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 2, 22-40 del domingo, 2 de febrero de 2020. Viernes, 31 de enero de 2020

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Archdiocese of Chicago and Big Shoulders Fund have announced that the Big Shoulders Fund will donate $47.5 million and the Archdiocese of Chicago will provide $44.9 million to help ensure the continuing mission of 30 schools over 10 years. The schools, mainly on Chicago's south and west sides, serve 5,600 children, their families and their communities. Guests: Big Shoulders Fund CEO Josh Hale; Catholic Schools Superindendent Dr. Jim Rigg. Segment II: Bob Fallon and Nancy Giani discuss "The Gathering IX - Men's Day of Renewal".

Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach Program does amazing work on the streets of Chicago 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Referrals are made to Catholic Charities from the City of Chicago’s 311 Call Center to perform non-life-threatening requests such as well-being checks, transport for people to shelters or temporary housing, delivery of emergency food provisions, and an offer of friendship and help to thousands of people who have little or no family nor any resources to rely on for assistance. Join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Lakisha Dykes and Mary Johnson, two members of the outreach team who will share what an average workday is like for them.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge is partnering with a priest from Zambia to establish a parish in the harsh wilderness of Africa. A film titled "Labor of Love" documenting this partnership premiered at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge last September. There will be another screening of the documentary at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago on Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m. Guests: Fr. Gerald Gunderson; Fr. Bwezani Wildred Phiri; Kuba Luczkiewicz. Segment II: Catholic Schools Week is celebrated by listening to excerpts from the recent Celebrating Catholic Education Breakfast.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Jill Rauh from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops about an initiative for the 2020 election year. Bob Gilligan also interviews State Representative La Shawn Ford about a bill that would limit the use of solitary confinement in state prisons. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare and their guests discuss how Catholic Charities benefits from the First Look for Charity preview night at the Chicago Auto Show. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson explore the Introductory Rites of the Catholic Mass. And Catholic Chicago host Mark Teresi visits with Patrice Touhy and Phil Loftus about their efforts to promote vocations.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 12-22 del domingo, 26 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 24 de enero de 2020

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Exploring efforts to promote, nourish and grow religious vocations throughout the United States. Guests: Phil Loftus; Patrice Tuohy

Over the next 6 months of this new year, Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson will explore the 4 main parts of the Mass. In this broadcast they take a close look at the Introductory Rites, exploring how every part of these rites helps, in some way, to gather the Body of Christ for the great prayer that is the Eucharist.

Catholic Charities is one of the eighteen non-profit organizations that will share the proceeds of the 2020 First Look For Charity on February 7th. Join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Annie Scully Tumpis and Kathy Herrera to discuss this elegant preview night at the Chicago Auto Show, and the vital programs that will benefit from the Catholic Charities reception at First Look. These programs include the Neighbors In Need Fund and Pregnancy, Parenting and Post-Adoption services.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Jill Rauh from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops talks about the USCCB's "Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate" initiative for the 2020 election year. Segment II: State Representative La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, talks about House Bill 182 which would limit the use of solitary confinement in state prisons to no more than 10 consecutive days and no more than 10 days in a 6-month period. Segment III: Marshan Allen with Chicago-based Restore Justice Illinois, talks about House Bill 1615, which would limit the state's current felony-murder charge. Segment IV: Shana Crews, Illinois goverment relations director for the American Cancer Society's Action Network, discusses the current state of vaping and flavored tobacco in Illinois.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi celebrated Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy and Fenwick High School on Catholic Schools Today. The Voice of Charity program welcomed a couple of “lobby heroes” who talked about the importance of the first point of contact for the clients, visitors, employees and volunteers who walk through the doors at Catholic Charities. The Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship discussed “discernment” and reaching non-Catholics who enter our parishes and our lives. Megan Mio of the Missions Office talked to Deacon Michael Neba from Cameroon on Mission Matters Live.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 29-34 del domingo, 19 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 17 de enero de 2020.

Megan sits down with Deacon Michael Neba of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Chicago. He is also Executive Coordinator for the Fr. John Kolkman Foundation, committed to the early detection, proper management and treatment of sickle cell disorder for rural areas in north-west Cameroon. Dcn. Neba tells his story of calling to the vocation of deacon and to become a missionary who advocates for his home community in Cameroon.

St. Vincent’s Center, at 721 N. LaSalle Street is Catholic Charities headquarters in Chicago. It is a bustling business center of one of the largest social service agencies in the Midwest. It is also a place many clients call “home,” as they arrive on a daily basis, 24/7 seeking help, friendship and a better path forward in their lives. Join Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Charles Watson and Jill Friedman, two “Lobby Heroes” to discuss the importance of that first point of contact for all clients, visitors, employees and volunteers who walk through our agency doors.

Co-host Jenn Delvaux and Evangelization Coordinator Jose Coronel start off the new year by talking about the Epiphany. The team sits down with James Erler, the Parish Vitality Coordinator for vicariate three. They discuss the Baptism of Christ and reflect on the ways we can reach those who enter our parishes and our lives that are not Catholic. For the second half of the show, Jenn and Jose talk with Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, to discuss the ways in which God moves in our lives, and how he speaks to us throughout our faith journey.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy and Principal Receive National Award. Guest: Shane Staszcuk. Segment II: Fenwick High School's Learning Resource Program. Guests: Fr. Richard Peddicord; Richard Borsch.

Voice of Charity co-hosts Michael Bare and Noreen Russo welcome guests into the studio to discuss the importance of D’Vine Affair to the Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Programs. Clarissa Aljentera, Senior Coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the Archdiocese of Chicago, visits with Eric Wandrey, Senior Coordinator of Young Adult Engagement, about School of the Spirit. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi co-host a program that focuses on Christian Unity. Following that conversation, Fr. Greg and Mark visit with Mike O’Loughlin, national correspondent for America Magazine and the host of the new podcast, "Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church."

Conversación con el Fray Rafael Enrique Maldonado Carrascal, O.F.M. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 3, 13-17 del domingo, 12 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 10 de enero de 2020.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18 to January 25. Guests: Dr. Daniel Olsen; Tom Masters; Rev. John Armstrong. Segment II: Michael O'Loughlin is a national correspondent for America Magazine and the host of the new podcast, "Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church." Michael is also author of "The Tweetable Pope: A Spiritual Revolution in 140 Characters".

Engaging young adults in a more intentional manner is the topic of discussion for Lifelong Journey in January. We are speaking with Eric Wandrey who details School of the Spirit and it's opportunity to evangelize and accompany young adults as missionary disciples.