In this episode, we announced that the co-host, Deacon Bob Bulger, will be stepping away from the show to begin his retirement. The rest of this show then involved a retrospective review of what Fr Britto and Deacon Bob had learned about marriage and relationships over the course of their 60 shows together. We talked about the family as giving meaning and purpose to 69% of the respondents to a Pew Research Study. We talked about marriage being a countercultural movement in the face of rising cohabitation rates and decreasing marriage rates. We reflected that love involves taking a risk, surrendering oneself for the good of the other and the relationship. We recalled some of the guests we had interviewed and what they taught us. Finally Deacon Bob closed be reflecting that some of the greatest achievements parents recall occur when they are the most subservient to their families. The outcomes of our sacrifices are usually known in hindsight.

Megan meets with three representatives of the Evanston mission-sending organization, Solidarity Bridge, which works to build a healthier future for the people of Bolivia and Paraguay through domestic and international partnerships. Megan interviews Ann Rhomberg, Executive Director of Solidarity Bridge, as well as Dr. Dan Lum, pediatrician, and Dr. Robert LaPata, a retired obstetrician and gynecologist, who have both participated in many mission trips. They reflect on how this work of mutuality and justice in the medical field has impacted their faith lives. Learn more about being in solidarity with those who suffer from a lack of access to health care.

Solidarity Bridge Executive Director, Ann, along with Dr. Lum and Dr. LaPata continue the conversation. The doctors talk in depth about getting involved in medical mission trips. Ann tells us more about the Mission Team Chaplains and partner Catholic parishes, such as St. Nicholas in Evanston.

Co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship were joined by Cliff Barber, Chief Strategist for Renew My Church, who shared his journey to his role in the Archdiocese and our renewal process. The core of evangelization is always grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Cliff shared his commitment to prayer and ongoing renewal. The second half of the show was dedicated to personal prayer resources, good reads and ways to connect on a deeper level with Jesus.

Our guest Monica Chapman, a young adult candidate with the Archdiocese, spoke with us about her influences in life and her work as a mentor. She also spoke about being a mentee with Theology on Tap and her selection into the Coalesce program and being chosen to receive a prestigious award. Finally, she shares her thoughts on how one could get started mentoring to others.

Hunger is one of the biggest problems we face today. Nearly 800,000 people throughout Chicago are food insecure and many of those impacted are children. The winter months can sometimes be challenging for families trying to make ends meet. At Catholic Charities, we recognize the importance of quality nutrition and we work to provide healthy meals to families in need. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss the various ways Catholic Charities provides food and nutrition education and services is Diane Nunley, Associate Vice-Present Special Supplemental Food and Tal Vanek, Assistant Director Special Supplement Food.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Ryan Bomberger, founder of the Radiance Foundation, joins Bob to talk about the March for Life Chicago on Sunday, January 13. Segment II: Mike Stark talks aout the recenly released documentary, "A Glorius Life: Cardinal Francis George". Segment III: Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga talks about her recently published biography of Fr. Augustus Tolton, "Augustus Tolton: The Church is the True Liberator".

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media talk about the importance of service projects with representatives of Trinity High School. On our Black Catholic Initiative radio program, Deacon John Cook talks with Thomas Drexler, an advocate for the homeless. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss their much-needed outreach to families in crisis. Patricia Malinowski, Juan Padilla and Victor Garcia talk with Fr. Louis Cameli about his new book on family life. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi host a conversation with the Cardinal’s Vicar for Health Care, Fr. William Grogan, and several other guests representing the health care community.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 10-18 del domingo, 16 de diciembre de 2018. Viernes, 14 de noviembre de 2018.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. The entire hour of this program focuses on Health Care with guests lined up by the Cardinal's Vicar for Health Care, Fr. William Grogan. Guests: Fr. William Grogan; Susan O'Leary; Linda VanDeventer; Dr. Reinhold Llerena; Nancy Flowers; Laura Messineo; Roberta Rakove.

The Advent theme of this segment of Lifelong Journey is wrapped in the fruits of the Synod on the Family. Notably, as Fr. Louis J. Cameli bridges the journey from the synod to pastoral attentiveness of families, in his new book A New Vision of Family Life, A Reflection on Amoris Laetitia. This book is a treasure for married couples and families. Fr. Cameli guides us into a greater awareness of the presence of God amid the daily lives of families, who are the formators of the domestic church. Listeners will discover how to spiritually internalize a family readiness for the coming celebration of Jesus this Christmas. Takeaways inspire reflection that lead to faith-filled action. Pre-Cana facilitators Jane and Tim OLeary engage listeners in personal stories of Catholic family traditions shared with their family during Advent. The show is hosted by Patricia Malinowski and co-host Victor Vallejo Garcia.

This time of year can be a happy time for many, but for a family in crisis, it can be a difficult. Many individuals and families can experience unforeseen events such as losing a job or home and struggling to pay bills, provide food for their family, or stay warm this winter. Catholic Charities Family Stabilization Services provides assistance to families in need of emergency food, clothing, housing employment assistance and referrals. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about our services for those most in need and who are struggling during this time of year is Sharon Tillman, department director of Catholic Charities Family Stabilization Services and Kendrea Atkins, Program Supervisor of Catholic Charities.

Today's guest, Tom Drexler, is Executive Director of Ignation Spirituality Project. It works to end homelessness by providing Ignation retreats to men and women who are homeless. They are partnering with The Chicago Coalition for Homeless who offers a 12 step program, Harmony , Hope, & Healing, which offers music and counseling among other services, and Old St. Patrick Church who will be providing the church for the event, and Franciscan Outreach who provides housing and meals. There is an event next Tuesday, December 18th at 6:30pm at Old St. Patrick Church, called Memorial for the Homeless. It is an interfaith mass service to support the Homeless throughout Chicago.

Hosts: Jim Rigg and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Trinity High School Students Volunteer for Service Projects. Guests: Jamie Visser; Rose Crnkovich. Segment II: Sacred Heart School Receives Blue Ribbon Award. Guests: Kristen Fink; Sheelagh Spooner; Jim Campbell; 4th Grader Sam

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media talk with Cardinal Blase Cupich about the abuse crisis in the Church. Deacon John Cook talks with Candace Anderson about how violence in the city has touched her life. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss how they have helped children during the holiday season with their Celebration of Giving program. Dawn Fitzpatrick, Ryan Lents and Fr. Jim Heyd preview upcoming respect life activities. Sr. Lovina Pammit talks with Sr. Connie Bach about her life of ministering to others. And Deacon Richard Hudzik interviews Deacon Alfred Coleman, the director of Zacchaeus House in Chicago.

Deacon Alfred Coleman, Executive Director of Zacchaeus House, speaks with Deacon Richard Hudzik about the work of Zacchaeus House. Deacon Alfred explains the origins of this south-side ministry that provides stability and shelter for men in transition from homelessness to a return to productivity and tranquility in life. The focus of the stay at the House, which can accommodate up to nine men at a time, is on job training, education, spirituality and psychologically healthy living. The healing of the hurts caused by homelessness—hurts caused to the families of the men, to the men themselves and to the community—is explored. Deacon Alfred relates how everyone can respond to homelessness, being especially mindful of those in their own families who, without intervention, support and love, might be on the path to homelessness themselves. The success stories as well as the sorrows and failures that happen to the men are told. We see both the Resurrection and the Fall in life at Zacchaeus House.

Sister Lovina Francis Pammit, OSF interviews guest Sister Connie Bach, PHJC (Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ) who talks about her vocation story, ministries (including coordination of PHJC Volunteers), involvement with CAVA and other collaborations, and foundress St. Katharina Kasper’s recent canonization. To reach Sr. Connie, email [email protected] or call (574) 340-6409.

On today’s show, Dawn and Ryan speak with Michael Warrell, who shares info about the upcoming Immigration Ministry Posada, scheduled for Friday, December 14. We also discuss National Migration Week in January. On the second half of the show, Fr. Jim Heyd from St. Constance talks about several local Masses for Life that happening in conjunction with the March for Life Chicago, on Sunday, January 13, as well as several other events that will be happening before and after the march.

Todays guest Candace Anderson joined and updated us on the homeless services that DePaul U.S.A. provides in the Chicago area. On a personal note she shares the tragic story about her son whom she lost to gun violence and how she is coping with his loss.

The holiday season brings a time of joy for many families, but it can also be a time of stress and uncertainty for those who struggle to make ends meet. For over 70 years, Catholic Charities has helped children and families through our annual Celebration of Giving gift-giving program. Gifts are distributed to more than 25,000 children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties every holiday season. Not only are families blessed by these gifts, but our donors and volunteers find meaning in giving back and create a special tradition through Celebration of Giving. Marie Jochum, Associate Director of Board Relations and Mission Engagement and Melissa Dicesare, Volunteer Relations Manager join Monsignor Boland to share more.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Author, lecturer and historian Ed Gordon discusses "The Church and State in Balance. Segment II: Cardinal Blase Cupich talks with our hosts for the second half of the program.

Deacon John Cook visits with Bertha Starks, somebody who is very active in her community. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about the importance of the Junior Board. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson reflect on the Season of Advent. Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention Initiatives for the Archdiocese of Chicago, visits with Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi on Catholic Chicago. Fr. Greg and Graz also talk to Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga about her new book on Fr. Augustus Tolton.

Entrevista con el Padre Esequiel Sanchez, Rector del Santuario de nuestra señora de Guadalupe sobre los preparativos del 11 y 12 de diciembre en el santuario en Des Plaines. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 21, 25-28, 34-36 del domingo, 2 de diciembre de 2018. Viernes, 30 de noviembre de 2018.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention for the Archdiocese of Chicago, joins us in studio to discuss various initiatives undertaken by his office. Segment II: Chicago Catholic Editor Joyce Duriga talks about her new book, Augustus Tolton: The Church Is the True Liberator.

We’re on the verge of a brand new Liturgical Year as the first Sunday of Advent approaches! In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the New Year and the season of Advent. They are joined by Timothy Johnston, also from LTP (Liturgy Training Publications) as they discuss the theology of the season, as well as its liturgies, music and symbols.

A new generation of supporters driven by the mission of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is the Junior Board. Now in its 16th year, the Junior Board has successfully grown to more than 400 dedicated members. The Junior Board enables younger benefactors to support Catholic Charities in order to directly fulfill their service, social and spiritual missions. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about the Junior Board and the wonderful work they do is Noreen Russo, Catholic Charities Junior Board Manager and Joe Hetland, Co-Vice Chair of Catholic Charities Junior Board.

Bertha Starks, Principle Behavior Modification Counselor with a MA in Psychology from National Louis University shared with us her pathway to success, her family challenges and a TV show she hosts monthly.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with a Catholic school assistant principal and a parent about the tremendous benefits of tax credit scholarships. Deacon John Cook visits with Fr. Maurice Nutt, a Redemptorist priest based out of New Orleans. Catholic Charities President Monsignor Michael Boland discusses the HIV/AIDS ministry with its director, Pat Drott. And Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship Director Beth White interviews Michael MacKenzie, the Director of Internal Communications for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Entrevista con el Diacono Freddy Palacios sobre un gesto navideño más un proyecto de desarrollo de pequeñas empresas en Guatemala. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 18, 33-37 del domingo, 25 de noviembre de 2018. Viernes, 23 de noviembre de 2018.

Communications is central to any organization. To bring about renewal and to help parishes achieve the three Renew My Church Imperatives – build communities, make disciples and inspire witness- communications is essential. Host Beth White, Director of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, was joined by Michael MacKenzie the Director for Internal Communications for the Archdiocese of Chicago to share ways he is spreading the Good News. Mike is launching a new, robust Renew My Church website, which will be linked from the Archdiocesan website and shared how to access the Summit videos and discussion guides that we are encouraging all to share with their fellow parishioners (www.evangelizechicago.org Go to the RMC Summit Next Steps page for details). The interviewee became the interviewer. For the second half of the show, Mike asked members of the Evangelization Team about events they had hosted in the Archdiocese over the past month and the ways in which they think about evangelization, discipleship and missionary discipleship. Jenn Delvaux, José Coronel, and Beth White talked about their research, insights and the three Evangelization Days and the six Taste of Alphas they had hosted. More Evangelization Days are coming in January as well as additional Alpha sessions. Visit www.evangelizechicago.org to find out more.

Fr. Nutt discussed with us his humble beginnings in St. Louis as he was raised by hiS mother who became a widow when he turned 3 yrs old. He shared how he became a priest and how he recognized his passion for preaching and writing. He's an author of four books and currently acts as the promoter for the cause for canonization for Sr. Thea Bowman.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: The impact of the Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Guests: Jon Priest; Laura Garcia. Segment II: Re-entry house for women released from prison at St. Thaddeus Church in Joliet. Guest: Glenn Van Cura. Segment III: Retiring State Senator Bill Haine, D-Alton.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media visit with teachers who did a great job observing Veterans Day with their students at St. John Fisher School. Sister Mary Jo Sobieck of Marian Catholic High School talks about throwing out the first pitch at a White Sox game. Patricia Malinowski, Juan Pablo Padilla and Victor Vallejo Garcia talk to Sr. Alicia Torres of the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels about the importance of Holy Fire in connecting with young Catholics. The Lifelong Journey team also invite Fr. Peter Wojcik into the studio to discuss Holy Fire. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Deacon Bob Bulger discuss improving marriage relationships as we enter the holiday season. And Megan Mio and her guest talk about the environment and caring for our common home.

Entrevista con la coordinadora de la Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano, Elena Segura. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 13, 24-32 del domingo, 18 de noviembre de 2018. Viernes, 16 de noviembre de 2018.

This month Megan interviews Celeste Flores, the Lake County Outreach Director for Faith in Place, an organization that partners with faith communities and provides resources to educate, connect and advocate for care of the earth. Celeste shares about the mission experiences that led her to this vocation. She explains why she believes her Catholic faith compels her to protect the environment and to see this as a work of global justice. Learn more about the connections between mission and care of creation on this month's show!

The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can be a time of fun, celebration and making memories. It can also be a time of stress, frustration and family squabbles. Nothing dampens the Christmas Spirit faster than a conflict with loved ones because of miscommunication and holiday pressures. Further, families need to insure to keep Christ in the Christmas Season. Toward that end, we presented three principles for keeping marriage relationships healthy during this time. Borrowing from the work of Dr. John Gottman we discussed (1) the idea of solving your solvable problems and discarding the unsolvable ones; (2) ways to overcome gridlock; and (3) creating shared meaning with rituals and traditions. Our hope is that all families could benefit from these suggestions and enjoy and happy and blessed Christmas season.

Over nine thousand middle-school students from Catholic schools and Religious Education Programs packed the UIC Pavilion in October for a radical faith-filled experience. Meeting Jesus has taken on new meaning. The encounter is a celebration of faith, fun, reflection, challenge and renewal. Patricia Malinowski with co-hosts Juan Pablo Padilla and Victor Vallejo Garcia talk with missionary disciples of lifelong formation: Sr. Alicia Torres, Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago, Fr. Peter Wojcik, Director, Department of Parish Vitality and Mission, St. Symphorosa teacher-catechists Eileen Akroush and Janet Funk. Guests bear witness to the glory of the Holy Spirit alive and well amongst Catholic youth. The call to religious life prompted by Holy Fire and the impact of Eucharist Adoration is remarkable. Tune in to catch the sparks!

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: St. John Fisher School Honors Veterans. Guests: Michael Gibson; Amy Schiller; Erin Deering. Segment II: Marian Catholic's Sister Mary Jo Sobieck Speaks about Throwing Out First Pitch.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University CFO Wayne Magdziarz visit with Fr. Lou Cameli and Cardinal Blase Cupich about the recent Synod on Youth in Rome. Deacon John Cook with the Black Catholic Initiative radio program talks with Deacon Roscoe Dixon about taking part in Renew My Church. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss the wide range of assistance that Catholic Charities offers veterans. Ryan Lents and Liz Young shine their radio spotlight on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). And Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews CCHD’s national director Ralph McCloud, local coordinator Elena Segura, and representatives of two organizations that are receiving grants from CCHD.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development is the weekend of November 17th and 18th. During this hour we discuss the importance of CCHD and how several community groups benefit from the campaign.

On today’s program, Liz Young from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity joins Ryan to discuss the work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in Chicago. They speak with 2 community-based organizations that receive grants from CCHD. First, Lilly Lerner and Nanna Cross from the Jane Addams Senior Caucus discuss their advocacy efforts to improve conditions in senior subsidized housing and ensure that seniors can age with dignity. Then Jawanza Malone, Executive Director of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, continued the conversation about affordable housing, displacement, and community stability through the lens of rent control and community benefits agreements. Both organizations discuss their methods of “hearing the cry of the poor” and offer suggestions about how listeners can stay informed on these critical issues and respond in their own communities. The annual collection for CCHD will take place in parishes across the country on November 17-18.

Deacon Dixon joined us and shared his recipe for a lasting marriage, the challenges of Renew my church, and his impressions of homilist, Fr. Maurice Nutt for the newly appointed St. Catharine Drexel Parish.

Veterans issues are frequently in the headlines, particularly stories about homelessness, joblessness, and lack of medical services. Today, with more than 22 million veterans in the U.S., the needs still remain and Catholic Charities is still there, finding new ways to support veterans and their families. Our Veterans Employment Program was created with the goal of helping veterans find and secure employment. In the past year, we’ve helped more than 9,000 veterans through support services including job training and housing. To discuss the impact of the Veteran Employment Program, Tony Kochevar, marketing and veterans outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities and Mitch Siegel, job developer for Catholic Charities Employment Program in Lake County, join Monsignor Boland for a conversation.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz. Segment I: Fr. Lou Cameli, the Cardinal's Delegate for Formation and Mission, talks about the recent Synod on Youth in Rome. Segment II: Bob Gilligan, Executive Director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, joins us to discuss Tuesday's election.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media interview Steve Pokorny about his ministry to help people break their addiction to pornography. Fr. Greg and Graz also talk with Joe Boland, the Vice-President of Mission for Catholic Extension, about the newly launched #WhyI’mCatholic campaign. Deacon John Cook with the Black Catholic Initiative radio program visits with a scouting coach for the Chicago Cubs. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests talk about how teenagers are impacted by violence. Sr. Lovina Pammit and Sr. Mary Kay Brooks have a timely discussion about their favorite saints. And Deacon Richard Hudzik talks with Deacon Fredy Palacios about his Guatemalan school project.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 12, 28-34 del domingo, 4 de noviembre de 2018. Viernes, 2 de noviembre de 2018.

Chicago Deacon Freddy Palacios discusses with Deacon Richard Hudzik the outreach that Deacon Freddy has been spearheading in his country of birth. Deacon Freddy, with a heart for the poorest children in Guatemala, has seen the need for young teenagers to acquire job training and skills. Through Freddy’s efforts and the cooperation of others in Guatemala, there are approximately 100 school-age children, boys and girls, receiving practical, hands-on, education in how to do carpentry, electricity, baking and sewing. Part of the education is to bring the young people to an awareness of how to run a small business and how to market it. The hope is that, following the three-year curriculum, the young people will be able to either add to the family income with their micro-enterprises or eventually support themselves. Deacon Freddy has started this programs in not only Guatemala but has also been instrumental in getting them going in both El Salvador and Argentina. Deacon Freddy comes at this from an awareness of how trade-skills education from his early days in Guatemala helped him to begin his own business that is now thriving in the Chicago area. For the love of Christ, Freddy is paying it forward.

Sister Lovina Francis Pammit, OSF and Sister Mary Kay Brooks, SSND talk about their trip to Buffalo, New York for the National Religious Vocation (NRVC) convocation for vocation ministers and a livestreamed event on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Canisius College – “You Talk, We’ll Listen” – a dialogue between young people and vocation ministers in conjunction with the 2018 Synod on Young People and Discernment (www.nrvc.net) and National Dialogue (www.nationaldialogue.org). Sr. Mary Kay talks about a retreat her community is offering to young women in St. Louis about biblical, historical and living women “saints” whose lives model God’s loving response in the world.

Karonn Walker was our guest, who talked about his childhood life as a young kid whose mom founded a little league Baseball team to help keep him and his friends active and safe. He is a product of De La Salle H.S. who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals and he founded Big Baseball Academy that instructs young people on baseball but most importantly, the game of life. He was recently hired as a local scout for the Chicago Cubs.

Teens can face intense stress and experience anxiety from a variety of family and school pressures. Catholic Charities new support group at the Tolton Peace Center in the Austin neighborhood will help teenagers combat stress, set goals, and connect with other teens for support. The new group, “Understanding Me and My Story,” will meet every Wednesday evening for seven weeks beginning November 7. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about the new teen support group is Jessica Meade, clinical manager with Catholic Charities Community Family Service Center and Hector Rivera, director of Youth and Family Therapy Services with Catholic Charities.