In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy cohosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) explore the season of Advent. They discuss how the first two weeks of Advent do not point us to Bethlehem, or to the birth Christ, but rather to the return of Christ in Glory at the end of time. In addition, they talk of how this aspect of our faith runs throughout the great season of Advent and is an integral part of the theology and spirituality of the season.

Plans are underway to ensure that there are many opportunities for people to celebrate Thanksgiving with Catholic Charities staff members and volunteers. We share a meal and offer information about programs and services that can provide help and hope to our clients and their families. Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Associate Administrator Fr. Wayne Watts and Noreen Russo, Manager of the Junior Board to talk about two of the largest events this month that support our homeless and refugee neighbors.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: The Religious Retirement Fund collection takes place this year on December 7th and 8th. Guests: Brother Michael Segvich; Sister Mary Ellen Gemmell. Segment II: The state of Muslim-Christian Relations. Guests: Dan Olsen; Daoud Casewit

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks to a business executive about being forced to cover abortions in the health care packages his business provides employees. Bob Gilligan also visits with Jackie Ingram and Janice Oda Gray, parishioners at St. Agatha parish, about their efforts to bring mental health services to their community. Voice of Charity program hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome two guests who share details on the current status of Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement programs. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie, hosts of Built on the Rock, reflect on the importance of humor in relationships. And Mission Matters host Megan Mio and her guest discuss the current state of the Catholic Church in China.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 23, 35-43 del domingo, 24 de noviembre de 2019. Viernes, 22 de noviembre de 2019.

The ability to laugh together is important in healthy relationships. We have seen this theme consistently woven into the conversations we've had with our couples. There are countless benefits to approaching life from a position of humility and trying not to take ourselves too seriously. Infusing positive humor into our everyday interactions is a skill that can right-size many of the frustrations we are faced with in life.

Megan sits down with Fr. Michael Agliardo, Jesuit priest and Executive Director of the U.S.-China Catholic Association (USCCA). Fr. Agliardo and Megan discuss the current state of faith and specifically the Catholic Church in China. Fr. Agliardo presents a brief history of the Catholic Church in China and explains to Megan how the USCCA operates in this context of friendship.

On the Way focuses on how to make the most out of Advent this year. Co-hosts, Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, are joined by Fr. Sammie Maletta, Pastor, and Kahlil Hattar and Louie Cain, Pastoral Associates, from St. John the Evangelist Parish in St. John, Indiana. They share how they intentionally use Advent as a time to prepare for receiving guests at Christmas by encouraging parishioners to see themselves as hosts, the ones who receive the guests. Their goal is for everyone who worships with them to feel “loved on” from the time they arrive on their campus to when they leave, hoping to give them a reason to return. They share concrete, practical ways that all of us can be welcoming. On the second half of the show, author and Managing Editor at Loyola Press in Chicago, Vinita Hampton Wright discusses Advent and how to prepare our hearts for the joy that the season brings. She shares excerpts from her newly published book, “Small Simple Ways,” a daily prayer resource and her online Advent retreat by the same name available on www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent starting the first Monday of Advent.

Every year Catholic Charities supports more than 250,000 immigrants and refugees through a variety of programs and services. In this show, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Elmida Kulovic and Rebecca Hamlin Green who will share details on the current status of our Refugee Resettlement and LOOM programs. Both support refugees who have fled their homelands and are working to become as independent as possible in Chicago.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dr. Richard Mantoan, a dentist who owns Southland Smiles in Flossmoor, talks about the complaint he filed against the Reproductive Health Act with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Segment II: Jackie Ingram and Janice Oda Gray, parishioners at St. Agatha's parish on Chicago's west side, talk about their efforts to bring mental health services to the community in the form of the recently-opened Encompassing Center. Segment III: Kayla Jacobs, director of programs for the new Laudato Si' Ministries of the Joliet diocese, talks about the new ministry and what she hopes to accomplish. Segment IV: Bonnie Engstrom, a resident of the Peoria diocese, wrote "61 Minutes to a Miracle to document the experience of her newborn son surviving over an hour without a heartbeat or breathing. Bonnie, family and friends prayed to Archbishop Fulton Sheen for her son's healing, and he is now a normal 9-year-old. The miracle of his healing was approved by the Vatican, and Sheen is expected to be canonized sometime soon.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz visit with Dr. Joseph Schmidt and Michael "Mick" O'Rourke of Saint Patrick High School in Chicago. Voice of Charity co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome guests into the studio to discuss the Celebration of Giving, a Catholic Charities program that provides toys for needy children and families. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with Stan Potempa and Brian Brach about scouting and religion.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 21, 5-19 del domingo, 17 de noviembre de 2019. Viernes, 15 de noviembre de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Religion and Scouting. Guests: Stan Potempa; Brian Brach. Segment II: Renew My Church update. Guests: Cathy Walz; Fr. Jason Malave.

We are spending the month of November discussing formational opportunities for young adults through the Amate House. The Amate House is a yearlong opportunity that gives young adults an opportunity to serve in the Chicagoland area, learn about their faith and live in community with others. We spend time talking with three young professionals connected with Amate House: Natalie Crary, Mark Piper and Sarah Miklius.

72 years ago, a group of parents who adopted children from Catholic Charities jointly held a Christmas Mass and celebration at which they brought gifts for children who had not yet been adopted. Today, that same spirit of generosity inspires Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving, a program that last year provided 25,000 Christmas gifts to children and families in need. Join Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Andrew McKernin, Katherine O. Nguyen and Michele Medzigian to discuss how it is easier than ever this year to be part of this wonderful Christmas tradition.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Saint Patrick High School Celebrates 159 Years in Chicago. Guests: Dr. Joseph Schmidt; Michael "Mick" O'Rourke. Segment II: St. Walter Students Receive Medal of Merit Award. Guests: Sharon O'Toole; Tim B.; Terrance C.; Valerie N.

To help observe National Vocation Awareness Week, Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview a religious sister with a great vocation story, Sr. Stephanie Baliga. Marie Jochum and Michael Bare discuss homeless-prevention services with three guests from Catholic Charities --- Kathy Donahue, Bob Haennicke and Jerry Castellini. Ryan Lents and Liz Young talk with Fr. Michael Trail about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit and Phil Loftus, Executive Director of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations, discuss how to address student debt as a major obstacle for candidates considering religious life. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Bill Stearns and his wife, Ann, about ministering to people in their faith community.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 20, 27-38 del domingo, 10 de noviembre de 2019. Viernes, 8 de noviembre de 2019.

Phil Loftus, Executive Director of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV), talks about how this organization was established to address student debt as a major obstacle for candidates to religious congregations and how, with the help of the Hilton Foundation, the GHR Foundation, NRVC (National Religious Vocation Conference) members and other generous donors, NFCRV has been instrumental in helping many men and women candidates enter religious congregations throughout the U.S. by with their education debts. To find out more or to help, go to www.nfcrv.org or contact Phil Loftus 773-595-4028 or [email protected] For statistics on religious vocations in the U.S. visit www.nrvc.net

In recognition of the month of November, when our thoughts turn to those we have lost through death, Co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic interview Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Bill Stearns and Anne Stearns. This husband and wife team have been ministering in bereavement at St. Damian Parish in Oak Forest for close to 25 years. In this conversation, we explore how parishioners might accompany those who have suffered a loss of a beloved, how those who grieve respond, and how everyone might consider joining in this ministry. The ministry can encompass helping plan the funeral liturgy, being present at wake services, or helping in some measure to assure those who suffer that they are being prayed for and that the parish community desires to embrace those who suffer a loss.

Marie Jochum and Michael Bare debut as the new team of Co-Hosts in this special edition of The Voice of Charity. Joining Marie and Michael are Kathy Donahue, Bob Haennicke and Jerry Castellini to discuss Catholic Charities Homeless Prevention Services. Of particular concern are client needs as winter approaches, and details of the 2019 St. Nicholas Ball will be shared, as proceeds from this event will benefit children and families who are facing this terribly distressing reality.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Stephanie Baliga, a Sister belonging to the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago, talks about the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the 2020 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. Both events are great fund-raising events for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and now is the time to join Team O-L-A for this coming year. Segment II: Brother Charles Nuwagaba discusses his ministry helping people in need in a slum area of Nairobi. Brother Nuwagaba is currently studying at Loyola University Chicago to receive a master's degree in pastoral care. He is a finalist for the 2019 Opus Prize which awards a one-million-dollar prize to an organization in honor of the winner.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek about a new docudrama called “Love and Mercy: Faustina.” Voice of Charity Host Brigid Murphy welcomes into the studio Mary Ann Bibat, Catholic Charities Vice President of Senior Social Services. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk about All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Day of the Dead with Fr. Richard Fragomeni.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 19, 1-10 del domingo, 3 de noviembre de 2019. Viernes, 1 de noviembre de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Richard Fragomeni discusses All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Segment II: Fr. Jason Malave talks about the latest developments in the Renew My Church initiative.

This month’s show highlights the vital work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which will have its annual collection during the weekend of November 23-24. Ryan Lents and Liz Young from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity speak first with Fr. Michael Trail, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, about his recent experience of serving on CCHD’s Allocations Committee. Next, Ryan and Liz have a conversation with Leone Jose Bicchieri, the Executive Director of Working Family Solidarity, new CCHD grantee. Show Notes

• Support the CCHD Collection by visiting www.cchdchicago.org.
• Check out our local/national CCHD grantees here.
• Read Pope Francis’ Annual World Day of the Poor message here.
• Learn more about the work of Working Family Solidarity on their website: https://www.workingfamilysolidarity.org.
• Read El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz’s Pastoral Letter “Night Will Be No More”: English | Españo

Catholic Charities has the privilege of serving over 50,000 seniors every year. Our programs and services help seniors lead the most active, healthy, independent lives possible. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she welcomes Mary Ann Bibat, Catholic Charities Vice President of Senior Social Services for an update on these vibrant programs, and a discussion about important conversations adult children often have with their parents as they age.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: "Love and Mercy: Faustina" is a docudrama that premiers today. The movie is about Sr. Faustina Kowalska and the message of Divine Mercy. Guest: Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC. Segment II: Sr. Lovina Pammit, OSF, talks about all the activities planned for National Vocation Awareness Week, November 3-9.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan talks to Barbara Lyons of the Patients' Rights Action Fund about the National Council on Disability's recent report on assisted suicide. Bob Gilligan also visits with Rebecca Anzel, a journalist with Capitol News Illinois who previews what promises to be an action-packed fall legislative veto session. Voice of Charities Host Angel Gutierrez features Home Depot executives Gary Hutchinson and Al Stermer along with Nancy Haws of Catholic Charities in a discussion of corporate generosity.

Entrevista con Victor Vallejo sobre Capacitación para facilitadores de preparación matrimonial. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 18, 9-14 del domingo, 27 de octubre de 2019. Viernes, 25 de octubre de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon discusses the history of the Catholic Church through the Renaissance and Reformation.

In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Guest Host Angel Gutierrez welcomes Home Depot executives Gary Hutchinson and Al Stermer to share a story of remarkable corporate generosity that occurred in recent weeks at the House of the Good Shepherd, Catholic Charities domestic violence shelter in Chicago. Nancy Haws, Catholic Charities Development Director for the House of the Good Shepherd also joins in this discussion that will educate listeners on this serious issue and emphasize how acts of kindness, and corporate philanthropy can have a powerful impact on the lives of people going through difficult times.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Barbara Lyons of the Patients' Rights Action Fund joins Bob to talk about the National Council on Disability's recent report on assisted suicide. Segment II: Jim Geoly, partner at the Chicago law firm of Burke, Warren, MacKay and Serritella, joins Bob to talk about the LGBTQ discrimination cases argued a couple of weeks ago in front of the U.S. Supreme Court that could affect religious freedom concerns. Segment III: Brad Cole, executive director of the Illinolis Municipal League, joins Bob to talk about the initiative to consolidate the more than 650 downstate and suburban public safety (police and firefighter) pension funds. Segment IV: Rebecca Anzel, a journalist with Capitol News Illinois, joins Bob to give a preview of what promises to ben an action-packed fall legislative veto session.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago C-F-O Wayne Magdziarz talk with two students from Holy Trinity High School about a national entrepreneurship competition. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Voice of Charities host Michael Bare visits with Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Catholic Charities Manager of Latino and University Initiatives. And Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie discuss the importance of laughter in our lives and in our marriages.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 18, 1-8 del domingo, 20 de octubre de 2019. Viernes, 18 de octubre de 2019.

The Mission and Ministry of Reconciliation Megan talks with Don McCrabb and Sr. Nancy Schramm, representatives of the U.S. Catholic Mission Association (USCMA). They discuss how USCMA is the ONLY national association of Catholic mission-sending and mission-minded individuals and organizations. One way to engage during this Extraordinary Mission Month is to attend the USCMA Midwest regional meeting right here in Techny on the theme of The Mission and Ministry of Reconciliation.

The topic of humor is one that consistently comes up with our couples. They repeatedly stress the importance of keeping a sense of humor in their relationships. We would like to dedicate next month's show to unpacking this further. To help kick that discussion off, we are replaying our 2013 interview with Paul and Chris Minaszian who spoke on this very topic of not taking yourselves too seriously.

As we prepare for the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, this month radio co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux tackle some interesting subjects. Fr. Richard Fragomeni, Professor of Liturgy and Preaching at Catholic Theologian Union, and Fr. Bill Vollmer, Associate Pastor at Holy Name Cathedral, join us to discuss the Catholic understanding of death, dying, and eternal life. We also explore ways in which bereavement ministries in parishes and the funeral liturgy can be opportunities to be Christ to those who are grieving and help them connect with the community during the time of loss.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, guest host Michael Bare welcomes Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Catholic Charities Manager of Latino and University Initiatives for the Latino Affairs Department. Join us to hear Cary provide an update on the expansion of our Latino programs and services. She will describe the innovative Ibero intern program and Cary will also share details of the Ayudando Nuestra Familias, or Helping Our Families benefit at The Casino Club on October 16th.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz. Segment I: Virtues in Practice at Our Lady of the Wayside School. Guest:L David Wood. Segment II: Chief of Academics Phyllis Cavallone annouces that seven Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools are new Blue Ribbon Schools. Segment III: Holy Trinity Students compete in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's (NFTE) annual Chicago Metro Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Guests: Angela Micelli; Gabriel Sheikh; Aaron Trinidad.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview guests about Faith and Fellowship. That’s a ministry that helps people with mental illnesses experience the love of God along with their sisters and brothers. Host Brigid Murphy welcomes Stephanie Johnson and Ann Grulecki into the studio to discuss Catholic Charities’ government relations and advocacy efforts. Clarissa Aljentera, host of the Lifelong Journey show, talks with Megan Mio of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Mission Office. And Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with people who are dedicated to promoting non-violence in our society.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Non-Violence Works is a non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention in our homes, neighborhoods and wider community. Guests: Elfreide Wedam; Larry Campbell; Shalini Gupta. Segment II: Several parishes, including Holly Name Cathedral, will be sponsoring a play called Conversation with My Molester. The play will be held at the Cathedral on October 26 and at Old St. Mary's on October 27. Guest: Playwright Michael Mack; Fr. Brad Schoeberle

As part of our call as disciples we think about our call to mission beyond our neighborhoods and into the world. We hear more about the Extraordinary Mission Month in October. Traditionally World Mission Month is celebrated in October and this year Pope Francis declared October as Extraordinary Mission Month. We are joined by Megan Mio, who coordinates mission appeals and education for the Mission Office.

Guest Host Brigid Murphy welcomes Stephanie Johnson and Ann Grulecki to discuss Catholic Charities government relations and advocacy efforts. Included will be details on why advocacy is important to serving our clients, and what’s on our advocacy agenda moving forward.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Faith and Fellowship is a ministry in which people with a mental illness can experience the love of God along with their sisters and brothers. Guests: Deacon Dan Welter; Connie Rakitan; Deacon Tom Lambert. Segment II: Megan Mio from the Archdiocese of Chicago Mission Office talks about Extraordinary Missionary Month and the upcoming Global Mission Mass and Celebration on Sunday, October 27 at St. Ferdinand Parish

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago CFO Wayne Magdziarz talk with Fr. Rich Jakubik about a Mass of Remembrance for the Little Ones to be held at Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness. Sr. Lovina Pammit visits with Sr. Nancy Roberta Schramm and Sr. Peggy Quinn about their ministries. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discuss the Cursillo Movement with fellow Deacon Len Marturano.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 17, 5-10 del domingo, 6 de octubre de 2019. Viernes, 4 de octubre de 2019.

Co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic interview Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Len Marturano for a discussion of the Cursillo—what it is and how it is an answer for every Catholic who is seeking to sustain, deepen and enhance his Faith. Participation begins with the Cursillo retreat and deepens thereafter with small group gatherings of others who have gone through the Cursillo retreat. “Cursillistas” (those who have gone on the retreat) live in their parishes as enlivened, emboldened and passionate followers of Jesus. Information about the English language Cursillo in Chicago can be found at www.chicagocursillo.org. The Cursillo is also conducted in Spanish. The link to the national headquarters is https://www.natl-cursillo.org.

On today’s program, Ryan Lents and Dawn Fitzpatrick talk about the offerings for this year’s Respect Life Month. They also catch up with Megan Mio from the Mission Office to hear about activities and resources planned for the Extraordinary Month of Mission. For the second half of the show, we recap the rest of the recent trip to El Paso that archdiocesan and parish leaders attended.

This past summer, Fr. Wayne Watts led a group of 57 teenagers and adults on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, his 25th annual trip spreading devotion to Our Lady and to St. Bernadette. This week’s Guest Host Noreen Russo has helped Fr. Wayne coordinate these very special trips for the past 12 years. Tune in to hear why people come from all over the world to Lourdes…and why the experience of pilgrimage is such a powerful part of our faith.