Host: Dr. Jim Rigg. Segment I: The Week of the Young Child. Guests: Norah Rose; Christy Sulaiman; Julie Ramski. Segment II: President of Our Lady Our Lady of Tepeyac is an NCEA Award Recipient. Gust: Joni Thompson.

Catholic Chicago host Graziano Marcheschi interviews the Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, Fr. Richard Fragomeni. Deacon John Cook talks with Reverend Gerald Jordan about several things, including five black candidates for Sainthood. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss how Catholic Charities and Chicago police work together to help residents in the Austin community. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit visits with Br. Michael Segvich, Coordinator of Retirement for Religious. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic introduce us to Shawn Tiemeier, wife of Chicago Deacon David Tiemeier, about the Women at the Well Prison Ministry.

Entrevista con Maria del Carmen Arroyo de la oficina del Culto Divino sobre el proceso de RICA. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 15, 1-11 del domingo, 7 de abril de 2019. Viernes, 5 de abril de 2019.

Sr. Lovina interviews Br. Michael Segvich, CFC, an Edmund Rice Christian Brother who talks about the people who inspired him to think about being a brother and what it means to be a Brother today and throughout his 50 years of living out his vocation. Br. Mike currently serves as the Coordinator of Retirement Fund for Religious under the Office for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is also a CAVA member. For more information on Brothers and Religious Brothers Day on May 1st, visit www.vocationscava.org

Shawn Tiemeier, wife of Chicago Deacon David Tiemeier, shares with Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic her experiences with Women at the Well Prison Ministry. The ecumenical group travels downstate to Logan Correctional Center and conducts retreats and monthly Bible studies with women incarcerated in the maximum-security prison. Shawn says the group brings “life-giving water – God’s message of unconditional love and forgiveness.”

On today’s program, Dawn Fitzpatrick spoke with Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan about the annual Life Advocacy Day in Springfield and a series of harmful abortion bills that are being debated in the General Assembly. Later, Ryan Lents spoke with Andy Panelli of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills about that community’s care for creation efforts, as well as the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

As Catholic Charities continues to expand its presence in the Austin community, we look to our neighbors and partners to build peaceful communities and provide help to those most in need. For decades, Chicago Police have been an integral part of providing assistance to Catholic Charities and building a strong community police partnership. Catholic Charities Regional Director of Community Relations Christie Richardson and Chicago Police Sergeant for Austin’s 15th District Jermaine Harris join Monsignor Boland to share more about Catholic Charities and Chicago police working together to offer more resources in the community.

On today's program the Reverend Gerald Jordan shared with us his ministry of promoting the 5 black candidates for Sainthood, and he shared their individual battles and triumphs. He also shared his feelings regarding the church's silence on the significant contribution each candidate gifted to the church. Finally he expressed his only goal or desire was to seek the kingdom of God and His heavenly glory.

Host: Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: The Annual Lenten Day of Reflection and Reconciliation at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii. Guest: Fr. Richard Fragomeni. Segment II: A special Lenten concert will take place on Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. in the St. Joseph Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. Guest: Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talks with City Lights Orchestra Director Rich Daniels about his role as President of the Advisory Board of the Immigration Ministry. Fr. Greg also visits with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon Dan Welter. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss legal assistance for low-income individuals. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz, CFO of Loyola University Chicago, visit with Fr. William Grogan, the Cardinal’s Vicar for Health Care, and a panel of experts on health care for the 65-and-over crowd.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 15, 1-3, 11-32 del domingo, 31 de marzo de 2019. Viernes, 29 de marzo de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz. Ministry and Care for the Post 65 "Silver Tsunami" Generation. Guests: Fr. William Grogan; Sr. Carolyn Martin; Lucinda Gryzenia; Nancy Flowers; Dr. Jon Maks; Dr. Therese Lysaught; Bill Kappas.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston, from Liturgy Training Publications, and Todd Williamson, from the Office of Divine Worship, discuss the rites and rituals of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults that are a part of our Lenten journey. Those who are in their final weeks of preparation, before being baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ or before being received into the fullness of the Catholic Church, need our prayers and support. The rites which we celebrate during Lent help them as they move toward Initiation. Timothy and Todd explore the Rite of Election, which takes place at the Cathedral, and the Scrutiny Rites, which are celebrated at parishes all over the Archdiocese.

Carol Reed is the owner and C.E.O. of Special Friend Careers, which is a Medical Field training program specializing in Phlebotomy and X-ray technicians. She feels God preserved her life beyond stage 4 cancer to provide jobs for people, and that companies are always looking for these valuable services.

Throughout Chicago, we see many people in need of help – one of the needs that often gets overlooked in our communities is legal assistance for low-income individuals in need. For nearly 14 years, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance program – known as CCLA – offers a wide range of legal services to low income individuals who otherwise could not afford an attorney. Joining Monsignor Boland to share more about CCLA’s holistic approach and unique ability to connect clients to a full array of social services within Catholic Charities is Director of Catholic Charities Legal Assistance department, Hilda Bahena and a member of Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Advisory Committee, John Grothaus.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Rich Daniels joins Fr. Greg in his role as Chairman of the Board of the Office for Human Dignity and Solidarity's Immigration Minisstry. Segment II: Deacon Dan Welter, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, talks about an upcoming event at St. Barnabas Parish billed as an afternoon of stories, prayer and reflection woven around the beloved songs of Dan Schutte and the group known as the "St. Louis Jesuits."

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with an expert on abortion law, Attorney Paul Linton, about pending abortion legislation in Illinois. Deacon John Cook visits with Jordan Little about his background, his faith, and a very beneficial app that he created. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie invite Mary and Bob Ploen into the radio studio to talk about how faith helped them raise triplets.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 13, 1-9 del domingo, 24 de marzo de 2019. Viernes, 22 de marzo de 2019.

This show ushered in the return of our original cohost, Sandra Labouvie, who brings a unique female perspective to our discussions. Returning to our original format of drawing upon real-life experiences of couples, we interviewed Bob and Mary Ploen who have been married for twenty-six years. Their unique marital journey faced unexpected challenges early on when they became pregnant with triplets. They are convinced that it was the visible hand of God that got them through.

Megan interviews two colleagues about their journey of discerning the missionary life. Adrian Badillo currently works for the Office of Lifelong Formation and Jose Coronel works for the Office of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship. They both discerned earlier in life to become priests. They share their stories of a desire to serve and share the love of Christ. Today they are lay leaders in the Church- missionaries in Chicago!

A sense of belonging is one of the greatest human needs. Trying to create an environment where this can happen is not an easy task. Co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship were joined by three very special guests that spoke about this matter. Courtney Christensen, the Communications Strategist for The Young Adult Engagement Team at the Archdioceses of Chicago, was with them for the first half-hour to speak about the importance of reaching and connecting to today’s millennials. Our co-hosts also spoke with Sue Lehocky, Director of Religious Education, at Divine Mercy in Winnetka and Gabriel Lerma, the Director of Alpha in Chicago. They shared their experience of Alpha and how it helps parishes “create a space where people can be introduced to the Kerygma” to ultimately help change the culture of the faith community providing a sense of welcoming and belonging for all. For upcoming events from The Young Adult Engagement Team visit their website at https://pvm.archchicago.org/events/father-greg-boyle. For more information about Alpha, visit their website at https://alphausa.org.

Jordan Little talked about an app he created called Community CupLift. It's an application that assists businesses, not for profits, and individuals gather resources to provide assistance for a myriad of reasons and so much more. Currently, Jordan is an account representative for Career Builders but from the way it looks he is also building his own career towards entrepreneurship.

Catholic Charities work at our office at 721 North LaSalle, including much of the emergency services and family stabilization support provided to individuals and families, would not be possible without the help of the Chicago Police Department’s 18th District. For decades, Chicago Police have been an integral part of providing assistance to Catholic Charities and building a strong community police partnership. Catholic Charities Program Director for Family Stabilization Services, Debra Davis and Chicago Police Sergeant Christopher Schenk join Monsignor Boland to share more about Catholic Charities and Chicago police working together to ensure safety to neighborhoods and help to society’s most vulnerable.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Paul Linton, a nationally-known attorney on abortion law, talks about abortion legislation that is pending before the Illinois legislature. Segment II: Melissa Hastings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops joins Bob to talk about potential federal legislation that would help Dreamers and those individuals with Temporary Protected Status. Segment III: Don Carlson of Illinois People's Action joins Bob to talk about House Bill 2468, which would cap exorbitant rates on car title loans.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk to Marian Catholic High School Principal Steve Tortorello about the school’s 60th anniversary. Deacon John Cook interviews radio personality Ed Crosby of the Prayze Cafe. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests tell listeners how a partnership with Ladder Up provides tax preparation support for the needy. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi talk to organizers of a well-attended Way of the Cross observation that takes place in the streets of Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 28b – 36 del domingo, 17 de marzo de 2019. Viernes, 15 de marzo de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: The Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral is offering a Spanish-language workshop this weekend titled, "Renew My Church, V Encuentro and Pastoral Formation." Guests: Jesus "Chuy" DeLeon; Nelly Lorenzo; Sr. Dominga Zapata. Segment II: Beniamino Rovagnati and Davide Bonicellli talk about the annual Stations of the Cross that will go from Daley Plaza to Holy Name Cathedral.

Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s Liaison to Renew My Church and Cathy Walz Director of Pastoral Accompaniment for Renew My Church spoke on the theme of accompaniment. Both talked about what accompaniment is, how accompaniment has been important in their own personal lives and how accompaniment helped them be who they are today. We also journeyed into scripture and discussed how Jesus himself accompanied. Fr. Jason spoke one the importance of accompaniment within the Renew My Church process as we seek to make disciples, build communities and inspire witness. Our guests also shared practical applications for accompaniment moving forward.

Each year, Catholic Charities collaborates with 400 partners and organizations to provide hope and opportunities to our neighbors in need. One organization we are grateful for is Ladder Up. For more than 20 years, Ladder up has helped people access the financial resources and opportunities needed to climb up and out of poverty. During tax season, they provide free tax preparation at four of our locations for individuals and families. Joining Monsignor Boland to share more about the importance of filing taxes and the different locations in Chicago that provide tax preparation assistance is Executive Director of Ladder Up, Christine Cheng and Special Projects Manager for Catholic Charities, Aisha Irvin.

Ed Crosby is a Radio DJ, entrepreneur, and life coach. He shared with us his humble beginnings on Chicago's westside. His interest as a DJ began when he was 13 years old, and he was mentored by Kenny "Jammin'" Jason, who he is still friends with to this day. He was called by God to gospel music and has since founded the Prayze Cafe where he is the Program Director of Gospel Music.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Marian Catholic Celebrates 60 Years. Guest: Steve Tortorello. Segment II: St. Symphorosa's Prayer Partners. Guests: Linda Jania; Mary Shilney; Norah

SPRED stands for Special Religious Development, a ministry that helps parishes welcome persons with developmental disabilities into participation in the liturgical life of their parish. Program host Graziano Marcheschi talks with SPRED representatives Sr. Mary Therese Harrington and Joe Quane. Graz also visits with Rachel Fulton Brown, a Mariology expert from the University of Chicago. Deacon John Cook interviews the principal of Augustus Tolton Academy, Phillip Bazil. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about the importance of advocating for the people they have the privilege to serve. The Director of the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, Ryan Lents, speaks with Sajith Silva about the importance of Catholic Relief Services. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic visit with Dawn Fitzpatrick who heads up respect-life initiatives for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Conversacion con nuestros invitados, Nelly Lorenzo, directora del Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral (ILP) y Daniel Ramirez, director asociado del ILP, para hablar del taller “Renueva mi Iglesia, V Encuentro y Formación Pastoral” a celebrarse en Ntra. Sra. Del Monte en Cicero el sábado 16 de marzo. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 4, 1-13 del domingo, 10 de marzo de 2019. Viernes, 8 de marzo de 2019.

The Archdiocese’s Senior Coordinator for Respect Life Ministry and Chastity Education Dawn Fitzpatrick joins Deacons Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik for a discussion on the witness of marriage, the meaning of chastity and how both topics relate to respect for life. Employing an anthropology that articulates our status as Children of God, the conversation addresses the fact that God’s love for us both dignifies us and calls for us to honor each other with dignity.

Today’s show features the National Catholic Sisters Week (March 8 to 14) and the 150th anniversary of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Sister Ann Oestreich, IHM, National Coordinator of the National Catholic Sisters Project talks about a new documentary featuring four Catholic Sisters and various events being held nationally and in Chicago. For more details, visit www.nationalcatholicsistersproject.org and click on Events. Sr. Marichui Bringas, CCVI, Coordinator of Vocaciones Hispanas of the National Catholic Sisters Project and a CAVA member resides in San Antonio. Sr. Marichui talks about the national discernment weekend for Latina women. Sr. Carolyn Martin, lsp, talks about the history of the Little Sisters of the Poor arrival in the United States 150 years ago and the various celebrations nationally and locally. All are welcome to the April 14 event in Chicago. Visit www.littlesistersofthepoorchicago.org or call 773-935-9600 or 773-484-8444 for details.

On today’s show, Ryan speaks with Sajith Silva, a global ambassador with Catholic Relief Services. Sajith shares about his life and work with returning refugees in Sri Lanka. They also discuss opportunities to participate in the CRS Rice Bowl program during this Lenten season. On the second half of today’s show, Dawn welcomes Adam Fuselier and Mary Bielski of Dumb Ox Ministries to discuss how pornography is dangerous because it is against God’s plan. In a lively discussion, they unveil the truth about the perniciousness and addictive nature of pornography, and how prevalent it is in today’s society for children and adults. Finally, they discuss the hope that exists to conquer this cultural issue.

On today's program Principal Phillip Bazil of Augustus Tolton Academy discussed his path to being the principal at the newly formed school. He praised his great staff and student body and they have taken the Academic bowl two years straight. He's looking to create scholars and saints while incorporating a balanced S.T.R.E.A.M. curriculum at ATA. Principal Bazil is also a loving father of three boys who love sharing memorable times together.

An important part of living out our faith is a commitment to work on behalf of and with the hungry, sick, poor and strangers in need. The people who turn to Catholic Charities for help are often the voiceless, living on the margins and sometimes forgotten. We have been the voice of those in need, and advocate to elected leadership to never lose sight of the poor when developing policies. Every year, Catholic Charities staff and board members take an annual trip to the State Capitol in Springfield to advocate on behalf of our clients and programs. This year, Advocacy Days take place March 26-27. Catholic Charities Director of Government Relations, Stephanie Johnson and Director of Government Grants and Advocacy, Ann Grelecki join Monsignor Boland to share more about the integral role of Catholic Charities Office of Government Relations in furthering the mission of the agency.

Host: Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: SPRED stands for Special Religious Development. It's a ministry of the church that helps parishes welcome persons with developmental disabilities into participation in the liturgical life of their parish. Guests: Sr. Mary Therese Harrington; Joe Quane. Segment II: Rachel Fulton Brown talks about her most recent book, Mary and the Art of Prayer: The Hours of the Virgin in Medieval Christian Life and Thought.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz interview Wayne Messmer, the actor who performs in the one-person play, “Damien.” Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland talks about the challenges of meeting the needs of our senior citizens. Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston discuss the Season of Lent. And Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi visit with Mark Schmeltzer, Director of Communications for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Mercy Home for Boys and Girls gives at-risk children a safe place to live, therapy to heal from the trauma of abuse and neglect, and tools like education and job skills to help them build independence. Guest: Mark Schmeltzer. Segment II: The 24th annual Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture will be held Monday, March 11 at DePaul University in Lincoln Park. Guests: Dr. Malka Simkovich; Dr. Jon Nilson.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston, from Liturgy Training Publications, and Todd Williamson, from the Office of Divine Worship, discuss the great season of Lent! They explore the theology and spirituality of the season and the journey we are called to make during the 40 days. In addition, Timothy and Todd discuss the Sunday Liturgies, the Mass texts and the readings of Lent, as well as some of the symbols, traditions and other practices of the season.

As our population ages, Catholic Charities is blessed and committed to help build a culture that honors and values our oldest members, treating them with love, compassion and dignity. For more than 35 years, Catholic Charities has provided resources and services to seniors in Lake County including meals, socialization activities, home care, adult day services, and other community-based support so they could remain healthy and engaged in their own homes or our facilities. Catholic Charities is also the sole provider of federally funded programs in Lake County for seniors, such as Meals on Wheels. . Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about Catholic Charities senior services in Lake County are Marla Harris, department director of senior services and Meisha Lyons, associate vice-president of senior services.

Today's program concludes our celebration of Black History Month with 7th grade and 8th grade students Shakira Luster and Kiriana Williams of St. Ethelreda Elementary school. Shakira was taught chess by her dad Eric Luster who is also St. Ethelreda school's chess coach. Shakira ranks in the 100 of her age class in the United States. Kiriana recently competed and won a tournament regionally. Both girls are great students who are ambitious and goal oriented. They enjoy a normal child's life but have other interests that are strongly supported by their parents. We are hopeful that their interests takes them far and that they continue to excel in the game of chess.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz. Segment I: Wayne Messmer is a professional speaker, singer, broadcaster, author and actor. He joins us in-studio to talk about the one-person play, "Damien," by Aldyth Morris. Wayne's next performance of "Damien" will be Saturday, March 2, at Christ the King Church in Lombard. Guests: Wayne Messmer; Dick Clish; Rich Spada. Segment II: Diveheart is a non-profit organization that uses scuba diving to help build confidence and self-esteem in children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Guests: Jim Elliott; Gabe Spataro.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Peter Steinfels, former editor of Commonweal magazine and a religion reporter for the New York Times. Deacon John Cook continues his celebration of Black History Month by talking with Ronald Guhl, hair stylist and foster father of six boys whom raised alone. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about their very successful partnership with Fenwick High School. And Mission Matters host Megan Mio visits with a Dominican sister whose life in ministry brought her from Nigeria to helping people in the Chicago area.

Megan sits down with Sr. Perpetua Chime, who is a Dominican Sister of St. Catherine of Siena of Gusau, Nigeria. Sr. Perpetua teaches at St. Angela School in Chicago. Her sisters serve as missionaries all over Nigeria and in Ghana, and she has made mission appeals for them. Sr. Perpetua tells the story of her discernment to become a Dominican Sister and describes the charism and work of the Dominicans with communities in need.

Understanding a person’s culture is an essential part for building trust to foster an environment of evangelization and hospitality. Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, speaks with Evangelization Coordinators Alicja Pozywio and José Coronel about their first-hand experiences of interacting and engaging with the Polish and Latino communities during various Evangelization Days and Taste of Alpha events. They discuss the significance of understanding a community’s shared beliefs and values, and what it means for them to be a reflection of these diverse communities that make up the Church. For information about upcoming Evangelization Days and Taste of Alpha events visit the Archdiocese website.

Catholic Charities has 15,000 volunteers who provide valuable support and expertise while carrying out the mission of serving the most vulnerable. With the help of volunteers Catholic Charities is able to strengthen and support individuals, families and communities through more than 150 programs serving those most in need in Cook and Lake counties every year. As a way of growing community partnerships, Catholic Charities partners with academic institutions at various levels including high schools and colleges. One program that has successfully grown and continues to instill new ways of giving back is the Christian Service Project at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. Catholic Charities Regional Director for the west region of Cook County, Esmeralda Zepeda and Theology teacher and Moderator of the Fenwick High School Christian Service Project, Brother John Steilberg join Monsignor Boland to share more about this unique partnership.

Today's interviews continue the Black History Month celebration. First we had Ronald Guhl, hair stylist and Foster father of 6 boys whom raised alone. He shared his faith story with us. Later in the program, Hales Franciscan student Deonta Anderson shared information regarding the Hales Franciscan clothing drive.