Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Peter Steinfels, former editor of Commonweal magazine and a religion reporter for the New York Times, joins Bob to talk about the essay he wrote a few weeks ago in which he extensively examined the Pennsylvania grand jury report. Segment II: Clarke Forsythe, general counsel of Americans United for Life, joins Bob to talk about two abortion bills introduced this week: one that would repeal Illinois' parental notification law, and the other that would repeal the state's current law regulating abortion. Segment III: Sen. Chuck Weaver, R-Peoria, joins Bob to talk about Senate Bill 156, which would allow inmates in the state's prisons access to online job sites so they can apply for jobs for when they are released. Segment IV: Kris Cortes, board memeber of Aid for Women, joins Bob to talk about the organization's new location in Flossmoor.

Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz explore St. Ethelreda School’s chess team. Deacon John Cook celebrates Black History Month with an accomplished communications guru. Monsignor Michael Boland discusses the importance of good mental health. The Office for Lifelong Formation seeks wisdom from a new book. And Fr. Greg and Graziano Marcheschi talk about the World Day of the Sick, and then finish up with the Annual Catholic Appeal.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: February 11 marked the World Day of the Sick, an observation started by Pope John Paul II in 1992 to encourage people to pray for those who suffer from illness and for their caregivers. Guests: Fr. William Grogan; Mary Jo Quick. Segment II: The Annual Catholic Appeal kicks off Sunday, February 17. Guests: Elizabeth Anastasia; Fr. Wayne Watts; Brendan Keating; Barbara Collins; Teresa Battaglia

Who are the notably wise among us? Guests Joellyn Cicciarelli and Santiago Cortes-Sjoberg of Loyola Press inspire listeners in conversation about a book release entitled, Sharing the Wisdom of Time. The book consists of a global collection of personal stories from elders empowered by faith with wisdom. This is a treasure-trove by Pope Francis and Friends to guide young and old with exceptional advice. Real life stories of Love, Hope, Struggle, Death and Work align with the Pascal Mystery relevant to our everyday lives. Fr. Greg Boyle, Leah Chase and Fr. Desmond O’Grady are featured. The faith lens of each story is where true inspiration for reflection is found. The show is hosted by Patricia Malinowski and co-hosted by Juan Pablo Padilla.

Many know the importance of good mental health, but how do you achieve it? Often times, thoughts and behaviors can help determine if you or a loved one needs help. Catholic Charities offers behavioral health care and counseling services, helping those we serve achieve optimal quality of life, health and well-being. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss how Catholic Charities incorporates wellness and recovery principals to help clients become self-sufficient and healthy are Pat Broderick and Bob Arvidson who work as counselors in Catholic Charities Holbrook Counseling Center.

The guest on this program was Creola Hampton, President of Greaterworks Integrated Communications, Inc. She is an accomplished communications guru with a vast history of improving clients' return on their investment for her services. She is married and has three daughters who are achieving even greater works, making her another great example and reason to celebrate Black History Month.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. Ethelreda's Chess Team. Guests: Eric Luster and students Kiriana and Shakira. Segment II: Our Lady of Tepeyac High School's STEM Learning. Guests: Erin Thomassen and student Isabel.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media talk with old friend Fr. John Cusick about his new book. Fr. Greg and Graz also speak to lay man Len Reynolds from the Gary, Indiana diocese about his efforts to combat human trafficking. Deacon John Cook visits with an entrepreneur to kick off Black History Month. Ryan Lents from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity explores Missionary Discipleship in Action. Sr. Mary Kay Brooks interviews the vocation director for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. And the deacons explore the wisdom gained through illness and injury.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 5, 1-11 del domingo, 10 de febrero de 2019. Viernes, 8 de febrero de 2019.

Today we explored how we can discern our life's desires everyday. Sister Bridget Waldorf, SSND shared with us her learnings and wisdom about discernment personally and in her work as vocation director for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Listen for the five L's of discernment.

Deacons Stuart Heyes and Dave Brencic join Deacon Richard Hudzik for a discussion on the ministerial response to those suffering from illness. Deacon Dave related his own recent lengthy recovery from some broken bones and Deacon Stuart spoke of the efforts of parish-based ministers of care. These many minsters of care, assisted by some deacons, engage in one-on-one visiting, with prayer and the Eucharist. The ministers of care attend to both body and soul of those separated from physical presence at the Sunday Eucharist. The difficult concept of redemptive suffering was raised, as expressed in St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians and in Pope St. John Paul’s letter “Salvfici doloris.”

On today’s show, Ryan Lents welcomes fellow Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity staff member Carolina Perez to share her recent experience of World Youth Day in Panama. In the second half the show, Ryan is joined by Andrew Lyke and Sue Ross to discuss the 2019 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington, D.C.

McLane Lomax was our guest to kick off black history month. He and his wife share a lecture ministry at St. Catherine/St. Lucy parish in Oak Park and they have four children. He's an entrepreneur who represents both Colonial Life and Obama Energy, whose founder has created an innovative smart street light pole, thus continuing the legacy of great black inventors.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Fr. John Cusick talks about his new book, "Never Be Ordinary: Wisdom from My Father." Segment II: Len Reynolds is a lay man who has created an effort to fight human trafficking called The Share Group USA.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz celebrate Catholic Schools Week in a conversation with Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Mary Iannucilli, the principal of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School in Orland Hills. Deacon John Cook visits with a teacher from St. Ailbe Elementary School. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland talks to two people who help provide shelter for the homeless. And Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz visit with two key members of the Renew My Church team, Fr. Jason Malave and Paul Goe

Today's guest was Ed Burns, teacher at St. Ailbe elementary school. He shared the history of Catholic Schools Week and the history of St. Ailbe. We we're also joined by students Micah, Zachary, and Daryl who shared their experiences at St. Ailbe and their hopes of furthering their education at a Catholic high school.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz. It's Catholic Schools Week across the United States. Guests: Dr. Jim Rigg; Mary Iannucilli. Segment II: An update on Renew My Church. Guests: Fr. Jason Malave; Paul Goetz.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan visits with Kevin Appleby to help bring some clarity to what is happening along our border with Mexico. Deacon John Cook talks with Andrew Lyke about his health challenges and the ministry he shares with his wife. On our Focus on the Liturgy program, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media have an impressive guest list to discuss the Gathering VIII.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 1-4;4:14-21 del domingo, 27 de enero de 2019. Viernes, 25 de enero de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: The Gathering VIII - Championship Moments of Faith and Life will be held Saturday morning, February 2, at Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness. Guests: Bob Fallon; Joe Ferlita; Pastor Corey Brooks; Fr. Terry Keehan. Segment II: Editor Joyce Duriga discusses the latest issue of Chicago Catholic. Segment III: Karie Farrell talks about her on-line religious goods store.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time. In the weeks following the Christmas Season, the Liturgy of the Church presents us with a view of what discipleship and the Christian Life should look like now that we have experienced - again - the Great Mystery of the Incarnation.

Andrew Lyke was our guest this morning. Andrew talked about his battle with Leukemia and his body's reaction to the bone marrow transplant he received. Despite this Andrew sees his illness as a gift and, along with his wife Terry, is struggling to become active again with their marriage ministry and a voice to heal racial tension. He his grateful and blessed by his village of supporters and loves to be involved with hosting Karaoke events.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Alex Berenson joins Bob to talk about his just-released book, "Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence." Segment II: Anthony Holter, executive director of Empower Illinois, talks to Bob about the just-opened application process for Year 2 of the Tax Credit Scholarship program. Segment III: Kevin Appleby, senior director for the Center for Migration Studies, joins Bob to offer some clarity on what is really happening with immigrants and refugees along the border with Mexico. Segment IV: Rep. Jeanne Ivestalks to Bob about her tenure in the Illinois Legislature and the final email she sent out to her constituents about the state's dire financial situation.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media visit with members of the St. Francis de Sales High School Choir and Band. Father Paul Whittington, pastor of the newly formed St. Katherine Drexel Church on Chicago’s south side, talks with Deacon John Cook about the transition that is taking place in their faith community. On the Mission of Love program, host Jen Delvaux visits with Valarie Jennings who plays a key role in the Archdiocese’s Department for Parish Vitality and Mission. And Mission Matters host Megan Mio talks to a local pastor who ministered to people in Mexico for five years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 2, 11 del domingo, 20 de enero de 2019. Viernes, 18 de enero de 2019.

Megan interviews Fr. Carmelo Mendez, current Pastor of Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Chicago. He recently returned after five years serving in the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casas in southeast Mexico from 2013-2018. Fr. Carmelo shares what pastoral ministry looks like in this rural, mountainous region of Mexico. The indigenous people's deep faith in a personal God, which is shaped by their traditions and environment, has left an impression and taught him much about pastoral ministry.

Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship was joined by Valerie Jennings, Parish Vitality Coordinator for Vicariate VI, for a discussion about the journey of Renew My Church. The stories Valerie shared, and her experiences highlight the crucial role of building community among our parish groupings, prayer, and abundant hospitality. Valerie opened up her experience and offers advice to every Catholic in Chicago as we continue the effort to form vital parishes with a culture of evangelization.

Todays guest, Fr. Paul Whittington, spoke to us about his upbringing and decision to become a priest. Fr. Paul also spoke about his transition to St. Katharine Drexel Church and the Renew my Church initiative.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: St. Giles School celebrates 90 years. Guest: R. J. McMahon. Segment II: St. Francis de Sales High School Choir. Guests: Vick Bluhm; Roman Perez; Paola Serrano; Myana Jackson.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media talk about Christian Unity with Dr. Dan Olsen, Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Pastor Brian Wise, Associate Pastor of Outreach at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Naperville. Fr. Greg and Graz visit with author Kenneth Woodward about his book, Getting Religion. Deacon John Cook has a very interesting conversation with the President of Hales Franciscan High School, Anthony Daniels-Halisi. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with two guests who are responsible for enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. Respect-life advocate Dawn Fitzpatrick is a guest on Catholic Chicago with show-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. And Fr. Greg and Graz talk to the Director and Chaplain of Calvert House at the University of Chicago, Fr. Andrew Liaugminas.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 15-16.21-22 del domingo, 13 de enero de 2019. Viernes, 11 de enero de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Dawn Fitzpatrick talks about the various activites around the March for Life Chicago which takes place this Sunday, January 13. Segment II: Fr. Andrew Liaugminas is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Director and Chaplain of Calvert House at the University of Chicago. Fr. Andrew joins Fr. Greg and Graz to talk about his ministry.

Youth Synod 2018 and World Youth Day heighten outreach to engage young people in the church. These events are creating global milestones that offer astounding opportunities for today’s young people. The Church turns a listening ear to young people. In October, Yadira Vieyra delegate to the Synod of Bishops XV Ordinary General Assembly representing the Archdiocese of Chicago took to Rome as an advocate for young people. What do young people want from the Church? Find out as Yadira, a dynamic young leader shares her experience. As young people throughout the world are preparing for World Youth Day -Panama 2019, Robbie Anderson, an expert of youth ministry brings to light the life changing impact of World Youth Day. As three-time attendee of World Youth Day, Robbie advocates to inspire our listeners of all ages. The impact of Robbie’s encounter of the suffering Jesus Christ at World Youth Day is an incredible faith sharing experience. Marie Ramirez, is getting ready to participate in her first World Youth Day in Panama. Marie’s enthusiasm is expressed by hope -filled stories. Tune-in for more. Broadcast of Lifelong Journey is hosted by Patricia Malinowski and co-hosts Victor Vallejo Garcia and Juan Pablo Padilla. This show enlivens the inclusion of young people in the church.

Yesterday we interviewed President Anthony Daniels-Halisi of Hales Franciscan High School. He shared with us his family upbringing, his parents' pivotal relationship and connection to the beginning of the Kwanza celebration. As president of Hales Franciscan high school he is determined to live out those principles with his students in Bronzeville's historically black community.

Over the years, Catholic Charities has offered comprehensive services so that seniors are able to live independently or with caregiver in their own homes and communities. In addition, we have expanded to meet the changing needs of seniors who may be low –income or living alone without family nearby through our Home Care Program. Catholic Charities Vice-President of Senior Services, Mary Ann Bibat and Associate Vice President of Senior Services, Community Based Services and Auxiliary Services, Angela Taylor join Monsignor Boland to share more.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is held annually from January 18-25. Guests: Dan Olsen; Pastor Brian Wise. Segment II: Kenneth Woodward is in-studio to talk about his latest book: "Getting Religion: Faith, Culture, and Politics from the Age of Eisenhower to the Ascent of Trump."

Deacon John Cook rings in the New Year with Valerie Jennings and Deacon James Norman. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about the importance of youth mentors. Dawn Fitzpatrick brings us up to date on Respect Life activities planned for January. Sr. Lovina Francis Pammit and Sr. Mary Kay Brooks discuss very practical New Year resolutions. And Deacon Richard Hudzik talks with fellow Deacons Tom Lambert and Dan Welter about helping individuals and families deal with mental illness.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 2, 1-12 del domingo, 6 de enero de 2019. Viernes, 4 de enro de 2019.

Deacons Tom Lambert and Dan Welter speak with Deacon Richard Hudzik about what the Church’s response is to persons affected by mental illness—those with such a diagnosis, their families and friends and the communities in which all of us live. Deacons Lambert and Welter are active in both the local Church’s response, as well as national and regional efforts to offer the embrace of the Church. Citing statistics that show mental illness affects virtually every person, either as patient or someone who loves or knows a patient, the deacons have responded to encourage parishes and other deacons to confront the issues of mental illness. The stigma, isolation and fear that surround the topic and the persons affected, directly or indirectly, can be minimized if not healed. By embracing the whole person, both body, soul and spirit, the compassion of Jesus can come to life. Parish- and regionally-based initiatives in the Archdiocese are discussed, as well as directions that point the listeners to helpful resources.

Sister Lovina and Sister Mary Kay discuss various prayer forms not commonly known but easy to incorporate in our daily lives as a way to start the new year and develop a prayer practice as disciples/followers of Jesus. Try prayer walking (maybe a labyrinth walk!) or using music and poetry to help quiet our centers and make space for God. Prayer can be the container/unifying factor to help us with our top resolutions (better health practices, saving money or improving our relationships).

This month, Dawn welcomes His Excellency, Bishop Donald Hying from the Diocese of Gary to discuss the importance of standing up for Life and attending the March for Life Chicago. In addition, many of the January events surrounding Anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision this month. In addition, Dawn welcomes Olga Anlglada from Immigration Ministries to talk about the Church’s teaching on Immigration and Migration Week here in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Valarie Jennings and Deacon James Norman updated us on Renew My Church initiatives. They discussed the difficulties and realities of "change", but they also recognized the necessity of making the Catholic Church stronger and more viable for everyone in the future.

January is National Mentoring Month and there are about 9 million young people without a mentor outside their family to help them on their path to adulthood and beyond. At Catholic Charities we work to provide youth with positive roles models who encourage good decision making and serve as a friend in times of need. This is particularly important in communities where children are facing challenging circumstances due to poverty and violence. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss Catholic Charities youth mentoring program in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood is Nico May, Youth Mentorship Program Coordinator for the Back of the Yards program and Pedro Martinez, Youth Mentorship program intern and a senior at Northeastern Illinois University.

We look back at 20-18 and get a preview of the New Year with four guests representing very important ministries of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media visit with Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland joins Fr. Greg and Graz to talk about the ongoing outreach to the needy in the Chicago area. Next up, Fr. Greg and Graz visit with Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s Delegate to Renew My Church. Finally, Sr. Stephanie Baliga of the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels talks about their ministry in West Humboldt Park and upcoming marathon fund-raisers.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 2, 41-52 del domingo, 30 de diciembre de 2018. Viernes, 28 de diciembre de 2018.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. This is our annual year-in-review program where we reflect back on accomplishments of the past year and look forward to the challenges of 2019. Guests: Dr. Jim Rigg; Monsignor Michael Boland; Fr. Jason Malave; Sr. Stephanie Baliga

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy aired the day after Christmas, on the Feast of St. Stephen! Co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the Christmas Season, along with Timothy Johnston (from LTP). Together they break open the theology of the Season, exploring the Nativity, Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord. Along the way they discuss the rites and ritual, the symbols, music and texts of Christmas Tide.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz hosts our annual Christmas music program.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with Ryan Bomberger, founder of the Radiance Foundation, about the March for Life Chicago. On the Black Catholic Initiative radio program, Deacon John Cook talks with Monica Chapman about her life as a young adult Catholic. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and two of his food-service specialists discuss providing nutritious meals for the needy. On our Mission of Love program, Beth White and Jenn Delveux visit with Cliff Barber, Chief Strategist for Renew My Church. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Deacon Bob Bulger discuss maintaining the true spirit of the Christmas Season. And Megan Mio talks with representatives of an organization that brings surgical services to third world countries.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 39-45 del domingo, 23 de diciembre de 2018. Viernes, 21 de diciembre de 2018.