Bob Gilligan, Executive Director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois is Dawn’s cohost on today’s program. During the first half of the show,after some brief thoughts on the death of Pope Benedict XVIth they discuss the impending arrival of proponents of Physician Assisted Suicide to the state of Illinois. During the second half of the show, Bob shares potential legislative proposals to beware of during the lame duck session as well as the 2023 legislative session.

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Bobbie Levy and Tanya Woods about the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Visit http://www.knightsofpeterclaverlacourt181.com/

As Catholic Charities expands programming and services on the local, regional level, Communication has been key to keeping all our constituencies informed, and included as the exciting new chapter for Catholic Charities develops. Join Phil Zepeda, Vice President of Communications and Katie Bredemann, Communications Manager as they discuss how various messaging mediums have been refreshed, and enhanced so that clients, volunteers, benefactors, and all other partners obtain the information they seek about Catholic Charities in the most effective ways possible.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 2, 16-21 del domingo, 1 de enero de 2023 Viernes, 30 de diciembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon talks to our hosts about the current state of the Covid-19 Pandemic and gives predictions of world events in 2023.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy airs right in the middle of the Christmas Octave! Hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the Christmas Season, its Feasts and its traditions. They unpack the theology and the spirituality of the season and talk about how these are reflected in the liturgies, music and traditions of Christmas.

In today’s EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT, we feature ANJANETTE NERO who is Catholic Charities dynamic Director of Staff Development and Education. Anjanette also is the very talented Coordinator of The Voices of Charities Choir, a wonderful singing group comprised of Catholic Charities employees that performs for a variety of events for our organization. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anjanette Nero to discuss her career at Catholic Charities, and perform several Christmas songs to celebrate the season.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 1, 1-18 del domingo, 25 de diciembre de 2022. Viernes, 23 de diciembre de 2022

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Bobbie Levy, Tanya Woods and Louis Mauldin about the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary and the Archbishop James P. Lyke African American Male Image Awards. Visit http://www.knightsofpeterclaverlacourt181.com/

The year 2022 has been historic in a number of ways for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann for this special Year In Review show as they welcome Gina Cleggs, Senior Vice-President of Seniors and Housing, and Mary Anzilotti, Senior Vice-President of Immediate Access and Basic Needs to discuss how Catholic Charities emerged from the pandemic with new initiatives that enhance our service to clients, and provide a wide range of opportunities to all those who would like to partner with us in helping our neighbors in need throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Assisted Suicide. Maria Jose Fernandez Flores discusses with Bob the potential of assisted suicide coming to Illinois and how her organization is helping prepare discussion and talking points to use when speaking to legislators on this subject. Segment II: Abortion. Guest Mary Bauer, CNM, talks about the response she helped author to the Notre Dame Op Ed in the Chicago Tribune. Segment III: Catholic Charities. Guest Amy Palumbo talks to Bob about how Catholic Charities helps clients during the holidays, which is a time that can be particularly difficult for those who struggle to provide for their families and those who are estranged from their families.

Deacon Tom Lambert and Tracy Sherva with the Chicago Archdiocese Commission on Mental Illness share with Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic the challenges of mental illness ministry and how some parishes in the archdiocese are working together to increase awareness in their communities.

As we unpacked our wonderful interview with Dan Pietroske and Maggie McQuaid, we discovered that the one dominant theme in their marriage has been their "total commitment." Starting their married life in their 40's, they faced unique challenges which they faced with openness, readiness to listen to each other, and growing up. They were able to overcome these challenges because of their strong foundation in the Catholic faith.

This month Megan talks with Fr. Rodlin Rodrigue, Associate Pastor at St. Raymond de Peñafort Parish in Mount Prospect as well as Founder and President of Sapaterre Misson, a Haitian founded NGO and its U.S. charity counterpart, Children Hispaniola. Fr. Rodlin explains how he was inspired to help the rural community of Sapaterre and eventually engaged others in this work too. Megan asks about the accomplishments of this mission and their future plans.

Christ the King Jesuit College Prep in the city's Austin neighborhood has created a state-of-the-art innovation lab and makers space to help prepare its students for the next generation of jobs. Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews Clement Martin, president of CTK, about the new center and how it benefits the students, many of whom will be the first in their families to go to college.

Catholic Charities Junior Board continues to welcome new members - young professionals from Chicago and its suburbs who enjoy spending time together and finding innovative ways to support our mission. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes new Junior Board Co-Presidents Brady Dearlove and Mary Margaret Parker to discuss recent Junior Board activities and the plans that are underway to invite even more young adults to learn about this dynamic group in 2023.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Damian School Hosted a Culture Fair. Guests: Jennifer Jermano Miller, Gail Werr. Segment II: St. Procopius School Wins National Spanish Spelling Bee. Guests: Dr. Robert Bassett Jr., Ana Gonzalez

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 11, 2-11 del domingo, 11 de diciembre de 2022. Viernes, 9 de diciembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The 16th Annual Posada Seeking Immigration Reform will take place on Friday, December 16th. All are welcome to walk and pray in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers who— as the Holy Family sought a place to stay—have been knocking on the doors for legislative shelter, or “Posada,” year after year. This year Pastoral Migratoria from the Archdiocese of New York and the Archdiocese of Baltimore will join us simultaneously to elevate our voices for immigration reform. Joining us for this first half hour is Mark Goebel and Mauro Pineda. Segment II: The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines is hosting Guadalupanas celebrations this weekend. Joining us for this segment is Very Reverend Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Today on Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray talk with Mauro Pineda and Hueget Gonzolez about the upcoming multi-diocese Posada that will take place downtown on December 16th. Listen to hear the Mexican tradition and history of the event and the beautiful opportunity to live in solidarity with our Immigrant brothers and sisters in the spirit of Mary and Joseph’s trek to find a place to lay their heads as they traveled to the census. On the second half of the show, Dawn and Ray reminisce about his last 14+ years as an integral part of the Respect Life Office and his quest to share the beautiful words of Saint John Paul II through the lens of Theology of the Body. Join in for some great stories.

Among Catholic Charities 1200 employees is a group of Sisters who represent the Congregation of Albertine Sisters Serving the Poor. The Albertine Sisters are incredibly dedicated to their work, and they inspire everyone at Catholic Charities with their joyful, selfless way of life, and their deep religious faith. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sr. Kate, Sr. Nikola and Sr. Benji to discuss the vital work the Sisters of Albertine do at Catholic Charities, and how their commitment to service reflects their desire to be united with God.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 3, 1-12 del domingo, 4 de diciembre de 2022. Viernes, 2 de diciembre de 2022

Brother John Eustice, CSV from the Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator) talks about his vocation journey as being “on the way” discerning to join his community as a religious brother and later discerning a call to priesthood. He reports on the November 12/13 weekend event: “A Taste of St. Hubert’s” at St. Hubert Parish (Fr. Mike Scherschel, pastor) in Hoffman Estates, IL celebrating the diversity of the parish and highlighting vocation awareness as several consecrated religious join in the festivities. Br. John invites all to a “Come and Be” weekend at Maternity BVM parish in Bourbonnais, IL 308 E Marsile St, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 on December 10/11, 2022. He encourages everyone to join in making vocation awareness an important part of young people’s lives. For resources, visit https://www.vocationscava.org/ or https://nrvc.net/. To contact Br. John or his assistant: Tel. 847-894-8537 | Email: [email protected] Or Mr. Dan Masterton [email protected]

Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s liaison for Renew My Church, discusses the Spiritual Renewal required to create vibrant and sustainable parishes. After seven years of structural change, Fr. Jason share the steps that are being taken as disciples of Christ to create a spiritual renewal within our parishes and the Archdiocese.

In 2017, Catholic Charities was asked by the City of Chicago to help initiate a program called CPS-FIT that identifies and assists families with children in the Chicago Public School System who are living in “temporary housing situations.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes SHARON LOVE, Department Director for Permanent, Supportive Housing, and HERMESE BRYANT, an accomplished Housing Case Manager to discuss how CPS-FIT, along with other Homelessness Prevention programs helps families establish safe homes and begin to achieve their dreams.

Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews John O’Malley, longtime director of legal services for the archdiocese and now special counsel, about the formation of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s policies to protect children from clergy sexual abuse that also laid the foundation for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. They discuss the history of these protections, lessons learned and today’s practices.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On the first Sunday of Advent, Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry launched a daily internet video series entitled Ornaments of Grace. It profiles Saints and saints - people who have lived the gospel in an extraordinary way. Joining us for the first half of today’s program to talk about Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry and Ornaments of Grace are Fr. J. Michael Sparough and Deacon Mark Duffey. Segment II: The Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House is located on 80 acres of gently rolling meadows and wooded countryside just 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Fr. J. Michael Sparough stays with us for this segment and he is joined by Tom Cattapan to talk about how retreats are a great way to enhance our spiritual lives.

In Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter he addresses the “art of celebrating” – the ars celebrandi, in Latin. He writes that celebrating the Liturgy is an art, and that all of us need to master that art. In other words, we don’t mindlessly “go through the motions” of the Liturgy. Rather, we are called to enter into the liturgy with full conscientiousness and awareness. Hosts Timothy Johnston, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss and explore the “art of celebrating the Liturgy.”

Host Fr. Michael Trail speaks with Fr. Chris Krymski, OSM - Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica about the Black Catholic ministry at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica.

Our Annual Thanksgiving Feast will be held at Catholic Charities headquarters, 721 North LaSalle Street on Thursday, November 24 at NOON. Our guests struggle every day with food insecurity and other serious burdens in life, and so we are grateful for this opportunity every year to let them know we care about them, and we want them to enjoy this festive meal. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Catholic Charities Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement to discuss all that will be included in this joyful celebration.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Civility and the Past Election Cycle. Guest: Emily Schumacher-Novak. Segment II: Human Composting. Guest: Matthew Server. Segment III: Restorative Justice. Guest: Emily Cortina

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 23, 25-43 del domingo, 20 de noviembre de 2022. Viernes, 18 de noviembre de 2022

For this month's show we interviewed Dan and Maggie who are not your typical couple. They married when they were a little older with unique challenges. On account of their deep faith in the Lord and their own willingness to be flexible, they have grown in their marriage union. Their healthy union bears testimony to the fact that our God is a God of second chances.

Catholic Charities recently held its Annual Employee Service Awards ceremony, to thank our longtime employees who inspire us all with their steadfast dedication to helping fulfill our mission. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes three of this year’s honorees, Silvia Gallardo, Nancy Gavilanes and Ruben Anzures to celebrate their achievements and those of all of our staff members who were acknowledged at this event.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Catholic High School Entrance Exam – Dec. 3, 2022. Segment II: St. Edward School Committed to Students for More Than 110 Years

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 21, 5-19 del domingo, 13 de noviembre de 2022. Viernes, 11 de noviembre de 2022

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Mass of Healing for Those Suffering with Addiction will take place on Wednesday, November 23 (the day before Thanksgiving). Fr. Ryan Brady, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of the Ridge and St. Linus Parish in the Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn communities joins us to talk about addiction and recovery. The Mass of Healing is the result of Fr. Brady seeing both the addicted and their families struggling post-pandemic, and he hopes to bring the actively addicted, the families of the addicted, and those recovering from addiction to the same place to pray for God’s grace and healing touch. Segment II: The collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development takes place at masses on the weekend of November 19/20. For the second half of today’s program we speak with Danielle Bodette, Program Coordinator with CCHD in the Archdiocese of Chicago. And Danielle has invited Barbara Manley and Leone Jose Bicchieri to speak about how the groups and organizations they represent benefit from the support of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Megan meets with Fr. Michael McAndrew, a Redemptorist priest and missionary who engages in ministry with Hispanic communities especially those who are migrants. He travels all over the US to offer pastoral and spiritual care to people on the move. Megan asks Fr. Mike to share stories about some of the people he has met, and serious reasons why they fled their home countries. He explains that this reality should open our eyes and call us to respond in love for our neighbors.

Catholic Charities Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball is one of the most elegant galas of the holiday season in Chicago. Proceeds from this event provide critical funding for our programs and services into the New Year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes the 2022 Chair couple for the St. Nicholas Ball, Beth Moritz and Mark Filip to preview this extraordinary 33rd Annual Christmas gathering in support of the mission of Catholic Charities.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The vocation of a deacon is to serve the bishops and priests in ministry to the People of God. Permanent deacons, especially married ones, often exercise their ministry within the context of their local parish. Deacons assist priests and bishops in celebrating the Sacraments and in the educational and charitable programs of parishes. The Archdiocese of Chicago has the largest Catholic diaconate community in the world with 514 active deacons involved in 210 parishes and agencies. Since 1972, the archdiocese has ordained 1,464 men as permanent deacons. Guests: Deacon James Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic. Segment II: Fr. Vic Ivers, a priest from the Archdiocese of Chicago who was deeply rooted in the faith, passed away on Jan. 18, 2014, at the age of 95. At St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville, as his final Mass was coming to a conclusion, he stopped, took off his shoes, laid them in front of the altar and said, “so now who will fill these shoes?” Then he processed out, leaving the shoes behind with a question that remains for today. The Who Will Fill These Shoes? event has then been celebrated in our archdiocese ever since. Guest: Vocations Director, Fr. Tim Monahan

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 20, 27-38 del domingo, 6 de noviembre de 2022. Viernes, 4 de noviembre de 2022

Dare to Love host Sr. Lovina ook some time to talk to Sr. Ruth Agee, OSF & Sr. Debrah Funfsinn, OSF. Both are Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. They spent their time discussing their ministry at the border.

Deacon Adam Danielewicz and his wife, Annette, share their experiences leading religious education at Saint Daniel the Prophet for more than 14 years on the southside of Chicago. They discuss the challenges and the highlights in teaching children of all ages about God and the faith.

This month’s radio show is dedicated to the great work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. The annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) collection will take place on the weekend of November 19-20. For over 50 years, CCHD has been working in partnership with community organizations to address the root causes of poverty in the United States. Danielle Bodette, Dr. Angela Swain, and Ray Pingoy are in studio speaking with Heather Johnson of St. Agatha Parish – Parent Coordinator of Dream Builders Association and Gary Schiappacasse of Lake County Sponsors/Lake County United. https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/collection

Like other Catholic dioceses around the United States, the Archdiocese of Chicago is working in tandem with Catholic Charities, parishes, and other human service organizations to provide meaningful assistance to asylum seekers who recently have been arriving by busloads in Chicago. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Larry Dowling, Chairman of this Task Force, Dean of Deanery III and Pastor of St. Agatha Parish, and Marilu Gonzalez, Catholic Charities Regional Director for the City/Southwest Region to discuss how this joint effort is similar to those done throughout the history of the Archdiocese, extending help to those among us who are suffering.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Louis Cameli, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Formation and Mission, is in the studio to talk about All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Segment II: Very Reverend Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, joins the program to talk about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the events taking place this year at the Shrine.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 19, 1-10 del domingo, 30 de octubre de 2022. Viernes, 28 de octubre de 2022

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson continue discussion on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi. In this letter, the Pope emphasizes the importance in liturgy of symbols and symbolic action and symbolic language. Timothy and Todd explore this emphasis and how important it is for the encounter with Jesus that is at the heart of every Mass.

A group of parishioners from St. Josephine Bakhita Parish in the city’s South Shore neighborhood is taking action to reduce violence by training youth in middle school and high school to identify violence in their lives and communities and respond with nonviolence. Guests: Elfriede Wedam and Andre Rawls, parishioners at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish in South Shore