The Voice of Charity kicks off the New Year with a sparkling preview of the upcoming D’Vine Affair, and its importance to Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Programs. The 19th Annual D’Vine Affair will be held on Sunday, January 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Union League Club in Chicago. Join Michael Bare and visiting co-host Noreen Russo as they welcome Joseph Glunz, Jr., Kevin Bratt and Dave Gardner to discuss this fabulous event and the win-win impact it has on many people’s lives.

In Catholic Chicago’s annual year-in-review program, Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews Dawn Fitzpatrick, Senior Coordinator in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, about upcoming respect-life activities. Fr. Greg talks with the acting Administrator, President and CEO of Catholic Charities, Kathleen Donahue, about helping the needy during the winter months. And Fr. Greg finishes the year-in-review program by visiting with Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Renew My Church. On Dare to Love, Sr. Lovina Pammit visits with Sister Connie Bock. Finally, Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Don Maiers about foster care for children.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 2, 1-12 del domingo, 5 de enero de 2020. Viernes, 3 de enero de 2020.

Sr. Connie Bach, a Sister of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, talks about her volunteer program ministry that took her to Texas and Africa this year, creating a life changing opportunity for volunteers to respond to God’s call to love. For more information, visit https://phjcvolprogram.org/ or contact Sr. Connie [email protected]

On today’s program, we hear from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich about the upcoming March for Life Chicago (Saturday, January 11) and the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (January 25-28 in Washington, D.C.). Later in the program, Ryan and Dawn speak to Kevin Grillot of WeDignify and Claire Culwell, an abortion survivor who will speak at the March for Life. • Learn more about the March for Life Chicago, Youth Rally, and Mass for Life here • CSMG 2020: Bearing Witness: Life and Justice for All • Cardinal Cupich’s Column: The Call to Holiness in an Election Year • Learn more about WeDignify here • Claire Culwell – Read her story here

The January, 2020 broadcast features Archdiocese Deacon Don Maiers who spoke with Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic regarding the work of Chicago Angels. Chicago Angels is an ecumenical and faith-based initiative that connects Chicago-area residents with children in foster care. The connection is chiefly through two programs--one known as “Love Box” and the other, “Dare to Dream.” The Love Box is an effort by individuals or groups to provide some of the “extras” children in foster care might not routinely get—their own school supplies, notes of encouragement and birthday cards, to name a few items. “Dare to Dream” is a mentoring program to encourage the young people to make good decisions, set goals and achieve them. Additional information and ways to get involved can be found at the organization’s website Chicago Angels.

Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention at the Archdiocese of Chicago returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Marie Jochum and Michael Bare. In this show, Phil will share how his years as an FBI Agent prepared him for his work reducing violence in the City of Chicago. Phil also will expand on the “comprehensive safety model” used by his department to help build more peaceful communities. Join us for this important discussion.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Annual Year-in-Review program, when we get a chance to visit with leaders of important ministries here in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

We celebrate the week of Christmas with music from our Catholic Chicago and Focus on the Liturgy programs.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 2, 13-15. 19-23 del domingo, 29 de diciembre de 2019. Viernes, 27 de diciembre de 2019.

Our Christmas morning program, this Focus on the Liturgy explores all the liturgical elements of the Solemnity and the season of Christmas. Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson look at the celebrations of the season (Christmas, Epiphany, Baptism of the Lord) as well as the traditions and music that mark this wonderful time of the Liturgical Year.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. An hour of Christmas music.

Bob Gilligan interviews an abortion survivor who will be the keynote speaker at the March for Life Chicago in January. The Voice of Charity spends time with Acting Musical Director at Holy Name Cathedral, David Jonies. Bishop Alberto Rojas was a guest with the On The Way radio team. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie reflect on their year hosting Built on the Rock.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 1, 18-24 del domingo, 22 de diciembre de 2019. Viernes, 20 de diciembre de 2019.

We have had many rich conversations on our shows over this past year with some wonderful couples. Today's show focuses on three important topics that resonate with the three persons of the Holy Family. First, we need to approach marriage as a vocation that God is calling us to and, like Mary, we must maintain a humble posture of prayer to hear and be obedient to that call. Secondly, it is important that we prepare ourselves for that calling by denying our natural human instincts, much like Joseph whose fidelity to Mary prepared him for the call to be her husband and the foster father of Jesus. Finally, we must invite the Lord into our relationships in order to fully live the life God intends for us. May you feel the presence of the Christ child and the Holy Family in a special way this Christmas and throughout the new year.

Megan meets a team of missionaries from CORE Uganda, which stands for Creating Opportunities through Reaching Out and Education: Annette Benett, Sandie Bulmann and Fr. Alex Ojacor. CORE Uganda creates opportunities for vulnerable children in the Ongutoi Village community in Uganda through outreach, basic education, skills development and support.

On a very special episode of On the Way, host Beth White and Evangelization Coordinator Jose Coronel sit down with Bishop Alberto Rojas. Bishop Rojas, who has been serving as the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago for over eight years, has recently been appointed as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California by Pope Francis. On this hour-long episode, bishop discusses his first encounter with Jesus in Mexico, his ministry work in Chicago, and the importance of evangelization as he looks forward to the next chapter in his life. If you are interested in learning more about Bishop Rojas, read about his life’s work here in Chicago Catholic

We are in the Christmas Spirit at the Voice of Charity Radio Show! This week, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome David Jonies, Musical Director at Holy Name Cathedral to learn more about the many facets of planning and performing music at Advent and Christmas Masses and Prayer Services. Music adds so much to the celebration of the season. Don’t miss this special edition of the Voice of Charity!

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Claire Culwell, keynote speaker for the March for Life Chicago on Saturday, January 11, 2020, joins Bob to talk about her experience of meeting her birth mother in 2009, who told her she survived the surgical abortion that took the life of her twin brother. Segment II: Meghan Goodwin of the USCCB and Leila Nimatallah of Catholic Relief Services join Bob to talk about the Global Child Thrive Act currently before Congress. Segment III: Deacon Alfred Coleman, director of Zacchaeus House, talks about the ministry that offers a safe place for single, homeless men looking for a fresh start. Segment IV: Christopher Orlet talks about the experience of the emotional journey of adopting a newborn girl who is now 5 years old.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz feature a group of students from St. Damian School who were able to celebrate their diverse backgrounds with a Culture Fair. The Director of the Office of Violence Prevention, Phil Andrew, joins Marie Jochum and Michael Bare of Catholic Charities in a discussion about making Chicago a safer place to live. Lifelong Formation Host Clarissa Aljentera and her guests discuss the Immigration Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz talk with Ron Polaniecki and Elizabeth Kohlbeck about Chicago Shares. Fr. Greg also teams up with Mark Teresi in a conversation with the Musical Director of the City Lights Orchestra, Rich Daniels

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 11, 2-11 del domingo, 15 de diciembre de 2019. Viernes, 13 de diciembre de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz, Wayne Magdziarz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Greg and Wayne talk to Ron Polaniecki and Elizabeth Kohlbeck with Chicago Shares, a not-for-profit that allows people to buy vouchers that can be given to people-in-need that can then be redeemed at participating businesses. Segment II: Fr. Greg and Mark chat with Rich Daniels, Musical Director of the City Lights Orchestra, about a number of holiday projects and performances including the first ever Rector's Christmas Concert at Holy Name Cathedral on Friday, December 13.

The work of Immigration Ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago is committed to forming families and communities to take on principals of social justice in their daily lives. We speak with Miguel Salazar and Mauro Pineda from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity as they explain how families and individuals can dive deeper in their faith around Immigration Ministry opportunities.

Guided by Pope Francis’ call for the Catholic Church to be a “field hospital” to wounded people, the Office of Violence Prevention at the Archdiocese of Chicago is faith-based, data driven and collaborative in its efforts to define the root causes of violence and help build more peaceful communities. Department Director Phil Andrew joins Marie Jochum and Michael Bare to discuss the comprehensive safety model that is central to his work with parishes, schools, and numerous faith, nonprofit and civic organizations, including Catholic Charities.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Brother Rice High School is proud to have 27 Illinois State Scholars for the graduating class of 2020. Guests: Martin Murray; Tommy Crane; Mark Donahue. Segment II: St. Damian School was able to celebrate their diverse backgrounds with a Culture Fair. Guests: Julia; Jesus; Allyssa; Dominic

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi explore the early history of the Catholic Church with Dr. Ed Gordon. The Voice of Charity looks at healthy ways to deal with holiday stress. The Fully Alive show talks about the upcoming posada in support of immigration reform. And Sister Lovina Pammit spends some time with Fr. Adam MacDonald.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 3, 1-12 del domingo, 8 de diciembre de 2019. Viernes, 6 de diciembre de 2019.

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, is back on “Dare to Love” to talk about what he’s been up to since his last visit in August. Fr. Adam wears several hats these days, serving under many roles including as Board member of the NRVC, a very active CAVA member, and of course, accompanying discerners and inquirers. This Advent season, Fr. Adam has been invited to preside over seven “Simbang Gabi” masses in Chicagoland, including one at 5:00 am! Find out more about Simbang Gabi and listen to Fr. Adam and Sr. Lovina sing “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” (Christmas has come) a classic Filipino Christmas carol.

Deacon Dave Brencic interviews Daniel Golden, of LaGrange Park, who is working as a young adult missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). Daniel has spent the last two years at universities in Ohio and Pennsylvania spreading the Good News among college-age students. His work has included not only evangelizing his peers one on one, but leading Bible studies and accompanying students on mission trips. In fact, all the baptized -- lay or ordained -- are called to be evangelizers. Daniel is living out that call. Listen to how doing God’s work has had a profound impact on this young man’s life and journey.

The holidays are wonderful, but for many people this time of year can also bring anxiety, fatigue and sadness. In this program, co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Fr. Richard Jakubik, a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago for the past 26 years and Founder/CEO of Catholic Psychological Centers in Chicago to discuss healthy ways to deal with holiday stress and make the most of the season.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon discusses the history of the Catholic Church through through it's first 1,000 years.

On today’s program, Ryan Lents is joined by Miguel Salazar and Mauro Pineda from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity’s Immigration Ministry, as well as Sr. Catherine (Cathy) Fedewa., a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, to discuss the upcoming XIV Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, December 15, as well as the events surrounding National Migration Week, including the Multiethnic Mass at Holy Name Cathedral scheduled for Sunday, January 5.

Entrevista con Rosa Anaya, directora del programa “Segundas Oportunidades” un programa de Catholic Relief Services o CRS. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 37-44 del domingo, 1 de diciembre de 2019. Viernes, 29 de noviembre de 2019.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy cohosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) explore the season of Advent. They discuss how the first two weeks of Advent do not point us to Bethlehem, or to the birth Christ, but rather to the return of Christ in Glory at the end of time. In addition, they talk of how this aspect of our faith runs throughout the great season of Advent and is an integral part of the theology and spirituality of the season.

Plans are underway to ensure that there are many opportunities for people to celebrate Thanksgiving with Catholic Charities staff members and volunteers. We share a meal and offer information about programs and services that can provide help and hope to our clients and their families. Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Associate Administrator Fr. Wayne Watts and Noreen Russo, Manager of the Junior Board to talk about two of the largest events this month that support our homeless and refugee neighbors.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: The Religious Retirement Fund collection takes place this year on December 7th and 8th. Guests: Brother Michael Segvich; Sister Mary Ellen Gemmell. Segment II: The state of Muslim-Christian Relations. Guests: Dan Olsen; Daoud Casewit

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks to a business executive about being forced to cover abortions in the health care packages his business provides employees. Bob Gilligan also visits with Jackie Ingram and Janice Oda Gray, parishioners at St. Agatha parish, about their efforts to bring mental health services to their community. Voice of Charity program hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome two guests who share details on the current status of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement programs. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie, hosts of Built on the Rock, reflect on the importance of humor in relationships. And Mission Matters host Megan Mio and her guest discuss the current state of the Catholic Church in China.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 23, 35-43 del domingo, 24 de noviembre de 2019. Viernes, 22 de noviembre de 2019.

The ability to laugh together is important in healthy relationships. We have seen this theme consistently woven into the conversations we've had with our couples. There are countless benefits to approaching life from a position of humility and trying not to take ourselves too seriously. Infusing positive humor into our everyday interactions is a skill that can right-size many of the frustrations we are faced with in life.

Megan sits down with Fr. Michael Agliardo, Jesuit priest and Executive Director of the U.S.-China Catholic Association (USCCA). Fr. Agliardo and Megan discuss the current state of faith and specifically the Catholic Church in China. Fr. Agliardo presents a brief history of the Catholic Church in China and explains to Megan how the USCCA operates in this context of friendship.

On the Way focuses on how to make the most out of Advent this year. Co-hosts, Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, are joined by Fr. Sammie Maletta, Pastor, and Kahlil Hattar and Louie Cain, Pastoral Associates, from St. John the Evangelist Parish in St. John, Indiana. They share how they intentionally use Advent as a time to prepare for receiving guests at Christmas by encouraging parishioners to see themselves as hosts, the ones who receive the guests. Their goal is for everyone who worships with them to feel “loved on” from the time they arrive on their campus to when they leave, hoping to give them a reason to return. They share concrete, practical ways that all of us can be welcoming. On the second half of the show, author and Managing Editor at Loyola Press in Chicago, Vinita Hampton Wright discusses Advent and how to prepare our hearts for the joy that the season brings. She shares excerpts from her newly published book, “Small Simple Ways,” a daily prayer resource and her online Advent retreat by the same name available on www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent starting the first Monday of Advent.

Every year Catholic Charities supports more than 250,000 immigrants and refugees through a variety of programs and services. In this show, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Elmida Kulovic and Rebecca Hamlin Green who will share details on the current status of our Refugee Resettlement and LOOM programs. Both support refugees who have fled their homelands and are working to become as independent as possible in Chicago.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dr. Richard Mantoan, a dentist who owns Southland Smiles in Flossmoor, talks about the complaint he filed against the Reproductive Health Act with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Segment II: Jackie Ingram and Janice Oda Gray, parishioners at St. Agatha's parish on Chicago's west side, talk about their efforts to bring mental health services to the community in the form of the recently-opened Encompassing Center. Segment III: Kayla Jacobs, director of programs for the new Laudato Si' Ministries of the Joliet diocese, talks about the new ministry and what she hopes to accomplish. Segment IV: Bonnie Engstrom, a resident of the Peoria diocese, wrote "61 Minutes to a Miracle to document the experience of her newborn son surviving over an hour without a heartbeat or breathing. Bonnie, family and friends prayed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen for her son's healing, and he is now a normal 9-year-old. The miracle of his healing was approved by the Vatican, and Sheen is expected to be canonized sometime soon.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz visit with Dr. Joseph Schmidt and Michael "Mick" O'Rourke of Saint Patrick High School in Chicago. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome guests into the studio to discuss the Celebration of Giving, a Catholic Charities program that provides toys for needy children and families. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with Stan Potempa and Brian Brach about scouting and religion.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 21, 5-19 del domingo, 17 de noviembre de 2019. Viernes, 15 de noviembre de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Religion and Scouting. Guests: Stan Potempa; Brian Brach. Segment II: Renew My Church update. Guests: Cathy Walz; Fr. Jason Malave.

We are spending the month of November discussing formational opportunities for young adults through the Amate House. The Amate House is a yearlong opportunity that gives young adults an opportunity to serve in the Chicagoland area, learn about their faith and live in community with others. We spend time talking with three young professionals connected with Amate House: Natalie Crary, Mark Piper and Sarah Miklius.

72 years ago, a group of parents who adopted children from Catholic Charities jointly held a Christmas Mass and celebration at which they brought gifts for children who had not yet been adopted. Today, that same spirit of generosity inspires Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving, a program that last year provided 25,000 Christmas gifts to children and families in need. Join Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Andrew McKernin, Katherine O. Nguyen and Michele Medzigian to discuss how it is easier than ever this year to be part of this wonderful Christmas tradition.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Saint Patrick High School Celebrates 159 Years in Chicago. Guests: Dr. Joseph Schmidt; Michael "Mick" O'Rourke. Segment II: St. Walter Students Receive Medal of Merit Award. Guests: Sharon O'Toole; Tim B.; Terrance C.; Valerie N.

To help observe National Vocation Awareness Week, Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview a religious sister with a great vocation story, Sr. Stephanie Baliga. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare discuss homeless-prevention services with three guests from Catholic Charities --- Kathy Donahue, Bob Haennicke and Jerry Castellini. Ryan Lents and Liz Young talk with Fr. Michael Trail about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit and Phil Loftus, Executive Director of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations, discuss how to address student debt as a major obstacle for candidates considering religious life. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Bill Stearns and his wife, Ann, about ministering to people in their faith community.