Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Fr. Greg talks with Cardinal Blase Cupich about the Church's response in these disheartening times. Segment II: Fr. Greg welcomes Fr. Matt O'Donnell, pastor of St. Columbanus, to discuss the status of the neighborhood where he ministers. As one of the priests who ministers to COVID-19 patients, Fr. Matt talks about how the pandemic disproportionately affects communities of color.

Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, discussed the challenges and beauty found in the special ministry of anointing the sick during the COVID-19 pandemic with Fr. Wayne Watts. Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston talked about the last days of the Easter Season on Focus on the Liturgy. And on Catholic Chicago, co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi welcomed Fr. Richard Fragomeni to the program.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20,19-23, del domingo, 31 de mayo de 2020. Viernes, 29 de mayo de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Richard Fragomeni is the Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, adjunct faculty member in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University, and a member of the faculty of Catholic Theological Union. In addition to his teaching duties, he gives presentations around the world on liturgical, sacramental and catechetical topics.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the last days of the Easter Season. They explore the theology and spirituality of the great Solemnities of the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost and how these celebrations complete the whole of the Easter Season. They unpack the liturgical texts and the readings to plumb the richness of these holy days.

In early April, Cardinal Cupich appointed twenty-four priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago to become a team that would go, as needed, to hospitals throughout the Archdiocese, and anoint patients dying of COVID-19. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Reverend Wayne F. Watts, Catholic Charities Associate Administrator and Pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, who will discuss the challenges and beauty found in this very special ministry.

On the Catholic Conference Hour, Bob Gilligan spends time with bishop-elect Lou Tylka. Bob also talked with the producer of the film, Blind Eyes Opened. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, had a lively discussion with the director of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Radio/Television, Jim Disch. On the Way host Beth White spent time focusing on how our parishes and Archdiocese are reaching outward in love during the pandemic. She also talked about “A Call to Prayer”, a ministry for those who would like to pray with someone during this time. And on the Mission Matters program, host Megan Mio chatted with Fr. Pius Kokose.

Conversación con Cynthia Madrigal, consultora de los Cementerios Católicos de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago sobre las misas televisadas del Día de los Caídos. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 28,16-20, del domingo, 24 de mayo de 2020. Viernes, 22 de mayo de 2020

Megan speaks by phone with Fr. Pius Kokose, Pastor of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr in Posen. Originally from Ghana, Fr. Pius spent 10 years as a missionary in Paraguay but is now a diocesan priest. In addition, he serves as a part-time hospital chaplain at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital. He shares about his experience ministering at the hospital with patients and medical staff. Megan finds connections between this type of pastoral care and global mission. Fr. Pius also tells about the pastoral care he offers his parishioners and community in this time of pandemic.

On the Way focuses on how our parishes and Archdiocese are reaching outward in love during the pandemic. Host Beth White is joined by Michael MacKenzie, Director of Internal Communications, to talk about the various ways the Archdiocese if communicating with the pastors, principals, parish teams, and Archdiocesan employees during this time of uncertainty. He also shares the many creative ways parishes are reaching outward in their communities to bring hope and help. For all of the latest information visit: www.archchicago.org/coronavirus Cathy Walz, Director of Pastoral Accompaniment, joins Beth to talk about two Archdiocese of Chicago offerings – “A Call to Prayer” and Grief Groups. For those who would like to pray with someone during this time, “A Call to Prayer” is available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. After hours voicemail and email prayer intentions are also available ([email protected]). Grief Groups are for those who have recently lost a loved one and want to gather with others to share their journey and pray together. For more information on how to register, visit www.archchicago.org/coronavirus/online-grief-groups

This week we recognize the remarkable career of Jim Disch, Director of the Office of Radio and Television for the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a top executive at CLTV and WGN, before joining the Archdiocese, Jim has led the broadcast coverage of many key moments in the history of Chicago, and in our local Church for over forty years. Jim has also led the broadcast team that has produced many Catholic Charities programs, including The Voice of Charity. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they honor, and thank Jim for all he has done for Catholic Charities.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Coadjutor Bishop-elect Lou Tylka talks about his appointment a week to the Diocese of Peoria. Segment II: Kathleen Stauber and Nancy Lou Kelly discuss a new Archdiocese of Chicago initiative, "A Call to Prayer" phone service. Segment III: Glenn Van Cura, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, talks about how his agency had adapted to serving clients during the pandemic. Geoff Rogers, producer of the film "Blind Eyes Opened" discusses how his film offers an authentic look at the scourge of human trafficking from the perspective of survivor-victims.

On Catholic Schools Today, Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz get to know the valedictorian of St. Francis de Sales High School. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, visit with a couple of guests about mental health strategies and behavioral health initiatives offered by Catholic Charities of Chicago for the growing number of people who are searching for counseling during this challenging time. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and co-host Mark Teresi talk with Fr. Larry Sullivan, Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago, about on-line field masses that will be held on Memorial Day.

Conversación con Nelly Lorenzo, directora del Instituto de Liderazgo Pastoral, de la universidad de santa maría del lago de la arquidiócesis de chicago sobre unos cursos gratis ofrecidos en línea, “¡Contagiándonos la esperanza de la fe!” Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 14,15-21, del domingo, 17 de mayo de 2020. Viernes, 15 de mayo de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Author, educator and on-line innovator Kathy DeNicolo talks about what she is doing on-line to help children and parents during this challenging time of the pandemic. Segment II: Fr. Larry Sullivan, Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago, discusses on-line field masses that will be held on Memorial Day. Fr. Larry also talks about protocols that are in place at Catholic Cemeteries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the effects of COVID-19 are clear to see, others are more elusive. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy, and caused worry and uncertainty for people concerning their jobs, their basic necessities, and the future. What are the best ways to deal with the psychological effects of COVID-19? Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Hector Rivera and Jessica Mead to discuss positive mental health strategies and Behavioral Health Initiatives that Catholic Charities is offering to the growing number of people who are reaching out to us for counseling during this challenging time.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. Matthias School has received the prestigious distinction from the International Baccalaureate Organization as an IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Guests: Katie Carden; Nicole Pacholski. Segment II: St. Francis de Sales High School's Rosa Mendoza is the recipient of the prestigious National Honor Society Scholarship and been named valedictorian. Guests: John Kimec; Mary Kay Rodriguez; Rosa Mendoza.

Conversación con Fernando Rayas, coordinador de acompañamiento pastoral, Renueva mi iglesia, archidiócesis de Chicago sobre la nueva iniciativa arquidiocesana, “Un llamado a la oración.” Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 14,1-12, del domingo, 10 de mayo de 2020. Viernes, 8 de mayo de 2020

On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we celebrate the vocation of religious brothers. Sr. Lovina’s guests Brother John Eustice, CSV and Brother Peter Lamich, CSV talk about their mission and ministries as Clerics of Saint Viator, otherwise known as “Viatorians.” Click here for more information about the Viatorians. To find out more about religious brothers, go to: http://religiousbrothers.org/ and to download the guide, click: here.

The May, 2020 broadcast brings spiritual directors Helene Albano and Deacon Jerry Nora to talk with co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic. The four-way conversation began with thoughts on life during the “shelter-in-place” phenomenon—what signs of hope and life do we see? The discussion then turned to the question of spiritual direction or spiritual companioning. What is it? Who is it for? How do I begin? What does it look like? Is it only for the saintly or the clerics or nuns? Learn how spiritual direction can be an entry point for you to talk with another about how God is active in your life.

On today’s program, OHDS Director Ryan Lents speaks to Deacon Tom Lambert, co-chair of the Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness, about how COVID-19 is impacting our collective mental health. Visit www.miministry.org for helpful resources. To access counseling virtually, visit Catholic Charities or NAMI Chicago to get connected to a mental health professional. Next, Ryan, speaks to Old St. Pat’s parishioner Dan Quinn about the ministry of making cloth masks from home in support of healthcare workers, neighbors, and friends. To learn more about this ministry, visit our Virtual Accompaniment Resource page, which includes CDC guidelines/directions for making cloth masks and details about the City of Chicago cloth mask drive taking place through May 16. Finally, Ryan connects with Luke Sullivan, Arise Chicago’s Religious Organizer, to speak about the vulnerability of workers during COVID-19. Arise Chicago has developed a robust set of resources in English, Spanish, and Polish to help workers know their rights. Arise’s website also includes details on how to support the rights of workers during the crisis.

Catholic Charities Office of Latino Affairs continues to expand with positive initiatives that improve the lives of Latino clients in a wide variety of ways. The focus is helping clients with immediate needs and establishing education and professional opportunities for young Latinos as they plan for their future. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Dr. Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Ph.D, Director of the Office of Latino Affairs to discuss these programs and services that are offered throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. In today's program Dr. Gordon continues the discussion about the history of the Catholic Church in regards to pandemics and epidemics.

Conversación con el Diácono Pablo Pérez, director asociado de Kolbe House, ministerio para los encarcelados sobre como han tenido que modificar el ministerio durante esta pandemia. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10,1-10, del domingo, 3 de mayo de 2020. Viernes, 1 de mayo de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Wayne Watts, Pastor of Sts. Joseph and Francis Xavier in Wilmette, is one of the priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago who has been designated to minister to people and families who have been sickened by COVID-19. Segment II: The holy month of Ramadan and overall Catholic-Muslim relations. Guests: Dan Olsen; Sheikh Hassan Aly.

Throughout the last two months, Catholic Charities Call Center has received an unprecedented number of calls from people profoundly affected by the pandemic. In this show, Mary Gault, Coordinator in our Family Stabilization Services Department joins co-hosts Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to discuss the Call Center activity and the orderly structure that is in place to respond to each call, with assistance as quickly as possible.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. John Kartje, Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary/University of St. Mary of the Lake, talks about the seminary hosting a virtual May Crowning on May 3. Segment II: The Overall Impact of COVID-19 on the Church and our Health Care System. Guests: Fr. William Grogan; Kathy Donahue; James Sifuentes; Dawn Mayer.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks with registered nurse Jennifer Junis about an important partnership during the COVID-19 crisis. Co-hosts of our Voice of Charity program, Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy, visit with a couple of guests about how Catholic Charities is responding to the needs of its client needs during these challenging times. Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss how Catholics can experience the richness of the Easter Season despite stay at home orders. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and co-host Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon about pandemics, epidemics and the Church.

Conversación con Victor Vallejo de la oficina de formación para toda la vida sobre sesiones de Pre Cana Virtual. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 24, 13-35 del domingo, 26 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 24 de abril de 2020

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. In today's program Dr. Gordon talks about the history of the Catholic Church in regards to pandemics and epidemics.

Broadcasted during the Second Week of the Glorious Season of Easter, this edition of Focus on the Liturgy centers on the theology and spirituality of the season. Co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson talk about the Triduum in the time of Covid-19 and how, even under a stay-at-home order, Catholics can touch into the rich profundity of this Season of New Life.

Catholic Charities continues to meet the needs of the vulnerable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Some individuals and families are reaching out to Catholic Charities for the first time, as they find themselves without homes, food and necessary supplies. Join Co-Hosts Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sharon Tillmon, Department Director for Family Stabilization Services and Tallet Vanek, Assistant Director of our Special Supplemental Food Department to discuss how Catholic Charities is adapting to respond to client needs in these challenging times.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Bob talks to bishop-elect Michael McGovern about his recent appointment to the diocese of Belleville. Segment II: Lauren McCormack, executive director of the USCCB's office of government relations, talks to Bob about the recent CARES Act and it's provisions for faith-based entities. Segment III: Jennifer Junis, RN, MSN, discusses OSF HealthCare's partnership with the state of Illinois with the Pandemic Health Worker Program (PHWP). Segment IV: Steve Roach, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield, talks with Bob about the agency's free, new COPE line, in which therapists will listen to and talk with residents of the 28-county diocese who are stressed out because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg discuss E-Learning during the COVID-19 crisis with guests Dr. Molly Cinnamon, Jackie Sulton and Christine O'Connor. Brigid Murphy talks with guests from Catholic Charities who are involved with the LOSS program, which promotes hope and healing to survivors of suicide. On the Way co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux talk with Tom Howard from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and Kim Haggerty from St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish about reaching out to their parishioners and beyond. And Megan Mio of our Mission Matters program visits with Sr. Alice Vandenoever about how the global health emergency is affecting our brothers and sisters in mission areas.

Conversación con el Padre Manuel Dorantes, párroco de la parroquia Santa Maria del Lago, sobre el ofrecer la unción de los enfermos durante la pandemia y la apertura de una despensa de alimentos provisional en su parroquia. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-31 del domingo, 19 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 17 de abril de 2020

Megan talks with Sr. Alice Vandenoever, a Maryknoll Sister who was sent to the Philippines to teach and later work with non-profit service organizations in the urban setting of Manila. They discuss how a global health emergency like the current pandemic will likely affect our brothers and sisters in mission areas. Sr. Alice provides a realistic picture of what life is like for many communities struggling with poor sanitation and little access to healthcare.

On the Way focuses on how we are continuing to provide a sense of community and connection while we are under a “stay at home” order. Host Beth White is joined by co-host and Senior Coordinator for the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, Jenn Delvaux, and Michelle Shaffer, Associate Director of the Institute for Lay Formation at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Together they discuss how the Archdiocese of Chicago has pulled together parish leaders to offer Alpha Online. Several parishes with experience offering “in-person” Alpha have members of their teams serving as hosts and helpers for this online version. If you or anyone you know is interested, visit https://pvm.archchicago.org/evangelization/events to register. Tom Howard from St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish and Kim Haggerty from St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish join Beth White to share the ways in which their parish communities have reached out to their parishioners and beyond. From old fashioned phone trees, to online devotions, to weekly meetings with catechists to brainstorm, parishes are finding creative ways to build community and reach outward in love.

For 41 years, Catholic Charities internationally-recognized LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. This year’s annual gathering of the LOSS community is going to be a groundbreaking, virtual event on April 26. Fr. Charles Rubey, Founder and Director of LOSS joins Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to provide an update on LOSS and this year’s Blossoms Of Hope event. Annie Scully Tumpis, Catholic Charities Special Events Manager will also join the conversation to share details of Blossoms of Hope, an annual gathering of the LOSS community, which will be a very inspiring, virtual event on April 26.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Social and Emotional Learning. Guests: Yesenia Maldonado; Casimer Badynee Segment II: E-learning/Alternative Learning. Guests: Dr. Molly Cinnamon; Jackie Sulton; Christine O'Connor

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Communications Director, Mark Smelzter, about how that organization has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis Author Mary Doyle talked about her book, The Alzheimer's Spouse: Finding the Grace to Keep the Promise. And guest host Brigid Murphy led a conversation about changes in Holy Week services in Chicago with Father Gerard Kelly, Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. Mary Ellen Kastenholz, professor at Loyola University and Staff Writer of Keenager News, also participated in the conversation.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 1-9 del domingo, 12 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 10 de abril de 2020

We speak with Cheslea Baldwin and Emily Macdonnell from the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation as they outlines ideas and resources for accompanying youth during this time. We walk through techniques and opportunities for youth ministers and pastoral leaders to work with families and youth using online opportunities and a myriad of free resources.

Christians around the world are preparing to participate in Holy Week activities in highly unusual ways, with leaders of all faith traditions adapting as best as they can. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she discusses changes in Holy Week services in the Catholic Church in Chicago with Reverend Gerard Kelly, CM, Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. Also joining in the discussion will be Mary Ellen Kastenholz, professor at Loyola University and Staff Writer of Keenager News. Mary Ellen will share insights from her trip to the Holy Land, where she saw the places believed to be where Jesus suffered his Passion and Death.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Guest: Mark Schmeltzer. Segment II: Author Mary Doyle talks about her book, The Alzheimer's Spouse: Finding the Grace to Keep the Promise.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Greg Pierce, Publisher of ACTA Publications, about what community organizations in Chicagoland are doing to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, Fr. Greg and Mark Teresi talk with Kay Metres, author of the book "After the Fear, Come the Gifts: Breast Cancer's Nine Suprising Blessings." Also joining the conversation is Brigid Gerace, one of the narrators of the audio version of that book. For 41 years, Catholic Charities LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. LOSS Founder and Director Fr. Charles Rubey joined Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy with details of this year’s virtual Blossoms of Hope event. And Ryan Lents visits with Sr. Pat Bergen and Sr. Kathy Sherman from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph for a discussion on Caring for God’s Creation and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in light of COVID-19.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 26, 14–27, 66 del domingo, 5 de abril de 2020. Viernes, 3 de abril de 2020

The April, 2020 broadcast brings Teresa Pennix-Gill and her husband Deacon LeRoy Gill to join co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic. The four-way conversation reflected on life during the “shelter-in-place” phenomenon. Also, tune in to hear about Teresa’s work with Parenting 4 Nonviolence and Deacon LeRoy’s work with young people at St. Dorothy Parish, at St. Kilian, and at the Academy of St. Benedict the African. Teresa’s ministry is to parents, for the benefit of their children. Parenting 4 Nonviolence offers practical advice and sound guidance to parents raising children from very young ages to the teen years. More information is available at www.parenting4nonviolence.org. Deacon LeRoy similarly focuses on service to the younger generation by blessing them, teaching them and encouraging them to not limit themselves.

Sr. Lovina checks in with guests Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (Divine Word Missionaries) and Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC (Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ) on how our day to day lives have been affected by the pandemic, prompting us to use our time in a different way and be more creative with our events when we can’t host in-person gatherings. Reflection and prayers are offered to bring hope to this world.

On today’s program, Ryan Lents speaks with Noreen Russo, Manager of Catholic Charities’ Junior Board about an outreach initiative developed by Saint Joseph in Francis Xavier in Wilmette to contact elderly and isolated parishioners during COVID-19. Andrew McKernin, Volunteer Relations Project Manager, joins next to share ways for the community to volunteer and support Catholic Charities. For the second half of the show, Ryan speaks with Sr. Pat Bergen and Sr. Kathy Sherman from the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph about caring for God’s creation and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in light of COVID-19.

For 41 years, Catholic Charities internationally-recognized LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. This year’s annual gathering of the LOSS community is going to be a groundbreaking, virtual event on April 26. Fr. Charles Rubey, Founder and Director of LOSS joins Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to provide an update on LOSS and this year’s Blossoms Of Hope event.