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

Loyola University has been a valued partner of Catholic Charities for many years. On this edition of The Voice of Charity, we discuss Loyola’s Social Justice Internship Program that allows students to participate in the work of Catholic Charities while they earn academic credit. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jorion Tucker, Loyola’s Community Partnership Coordinator, and Esther Marcos, a student who recently completed the internship experience to discuss the many ways this program benefits the young adults and the non-profits at which they serve.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: ENCORE is a program that inspires the mind and spirit. Those who are 50 and over are invited to come together with other adults at Old St. Pat's church to share enthusiasm for life, learning, service and fun! Guests: Mary Kay Slowikowski and Judy McLaughlin. Segment II: Dr. Mary Amore talks about the latest offerings from Mayslake Ministries.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 18, 9-14 del domingo, 23 de octubre de 2022. Viernes, 21 de octubre de 2022

In our last show we interviewed Dan and Trish Buelow who have been married for over 35 years. Having met as teenagers, they have consistently built their marriage on strong family ties, respect for each other and their willingness to listen to the other. They have not been huge planners. They trusted more in Divine Providence than in their own plans. In their parenting, they have insisted on following discipline and resisting the voices from the outside.

Fr. Ed Salmon, Vicar Emeritus of the Diaconate, shares the history of the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of Chicago. How it all began and how it has evolved. Fr. Ed offers his advice to the new Vicar for Deacons, the newly ordained and experienced deacons on what is required to move forward as Christ calls us to Renew His Church.

Host Beth White leads a discussion about spiritual renewal with her guests, Michael Tom and Fr. Matthew Heinrich.

Fr. Michael Trail sits down with Fr. Matt O’Donnell to discuss the ministry being done at St. Moses the Black parish. https://www.stmosesparish.org/

Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving unites individuals, families, neighbors, parishes and work colleagues in providing toys and basic needs to vulnerable children and families in Cook and Lake counties. On the 75th Anniversary of this special holiday endeavor, we are especially aware of those who are suffering due to the effects of inflation and high gas prices this year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jim Wogan, Barbara Campbell and Sue Fowler who are Co-Coordinators of this very special Christmas gift program in our Lake County offices this year.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Invest in Kids Act Fundraising. Guests: Fr. Wayne Watts and Chris Vallace. Segment II: : Illinois's Reproductive Health Act – RHA. Guest: Sarah Michalak.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 18, 1-8 del domingo, 16 de octubre de 2022. Viernes, 14 de octubre de 2022

Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga welcomes Conventual Franciscan Friar Robert Cook, pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish, and Mark Franzen, director of St. Gregory's Hall, to talk about new unique, geographical parish ministries that emerged out of a Renew My Church unification.

Since 1947, Catholic Charities has been holding a Christmas gift collection for clients who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement and Enrique Alonso, Volunteer Engagement Manager for Cook County to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have been made in the past 74 years, and invite the public to join in this fabulous program for 2022 that exemplifies the Spirit of Christmas.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. St. Nicholas Cathedral School Continues to Help Ukrainian Families St. Nicholas Cathedral School has helped Ukrainian families feel at home since they opened. Since the war in Ukraine began last year, the school has welcomed refugee students and their families. The school has held vigils, distributed signs in support of Ukraine, held fundraisers and continues to seek where they may assist. Currently, St. Nicholas Cathedral School has 65 refugee students with children enrolling weekly. Guest: Anna Cirilli, Principal of St. Nicholas Cathedral School

Fr. Adam McDonald, SVD introduces Sister Skolastika Wea, SSpS, a Missionary Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters) to co-host Sr. Lovina and to listeners and viewers. Sr. Skolastika is a new member of the Vocations CAVA family. A native of Indonesia, Sr. Skolastika has been in the U.S. since 2014 and professed her perpetual vows in Chicago in 2018. Visit https://www.ssps-usa.org or check out their Facebook page: Facebook Page

Deacon Max Montalvo of Our Lady of Charity Parish in Cicero,IL discusses his involvement in three important ministries: preparing children to receive the sacrament of confirmation, working with parents in the Pan de Vida Program and working as a couple with his wife with other married couples to bring them closer to Christ and His Church.

On this October episode of Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray welcome Cindy Morales, Executive Director of Pro-life Champions to present her short stories about families who chose life against all odds. On the second half of the show, the Respect Life Theme of the upcoming year “Called to Serve Moms in Need” is presented along with a discussion around how to be pro-life from conception to natural death. Dawn and Ray share more about the Walking with Moms in Need Initiative: how it helps all moms in need, how to get involved as well as some wonderful things going on in our parishes.

Fr. Michael Trail talks with Valerie Jennings about the National Black Catholic Congress.

October is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and an important rally is happening on Saturday, October 8th at St. Katharine Drexel Parish to create greater awareness of this crime that affects millions of Americans each year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Chuck Dahm , Director of Domestic Violence Outreach for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Maria Prasek, Intake Specialist for Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Program to discuss this large, upcoming event and the many community organizations joining with Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of Chicago to reduce the impact of domestic violence in Illinois and aid the recovery of victims.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Our guests today are Mayra Flores and Michael Hoffman. The topic for the first half of today's program is “Healing Conversations. The Dallas Charter: 20 years of progress of protecting children and healing victims”. In Dallas, 2002, at their Annual Meeting, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops drafted this landmark document in response to the crisis of sexual abuse of children in the Church. In the second half of this program we talk about The Annual Mass for Hope and Healing is an opportunity for victims-survivors to find a safe space where they can feel supported and loved. In 1992, the Archdiocese of Chicago put in place policies and procedures to address allegations and issues related to sexual abuse of minors. The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth is committed to continuing the important work to protect children and to accompany victims-survivors of sexual abuse. All are encouraged and welcomed to attend the Mass of Hope and Healing on October 15.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Greg and Mark welcome Fr. Bob Hutmacher, O.F.M., to the studio to talk about the Franciscan Festival and Art Show at St. Peter's In The Loop.

In our continuing exploration of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy looks at the connection that the Liturgy has to Creation. Pope Francis writes at length of how God uses the very things of his own creation to meet us, to encounter us and to transform us in the liturgy and the sacraments. Hosts Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss this theme of the Letter which was issued on June 29, 2022.

Catholic Charities Diaper Depot in Lake County has been a large and incredibly well-run distribution center for more than five years. The Diaper Depot works in tandem with Catholic Charities programs, nearby parishes and a wide range of community organizations to ensure that diapers and accessories are available for low-income, grateful families. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Don Rosanova, Lead Volunteer at Catholic Charities Lake County Diaper Depot, and Lisa Roti, Lake County Regional Director to discuss how this Diaper Depot provides a Basic Need, and more to residents of Lake County.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Fr. Greg welcomes historian and author Dr. Edward Gordon to the program to talk about where things stand with the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic outlook going into 2023.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 16, 19-31 del domingo, 25 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 23 de septiembre de 2022