Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Steven A. Denny is a scholar, an attorney, a certified mediator, and an ordained clergyman, originally from Kentucky, who now lives in Oak Park, Illinois. He and his wife Miran have five adult children. Denny runs a private law firm whose motto is “Striving for Justice in an Imperfect World.” He knows Hebrew and several other Middle-Eastern languages, and his maternal grandfather was a Jewish immigrant from Russia. Denny has spent considerable time at the Our Lady of Gethsemani Trappist monastery in Kentucky and credits “The Merton Prayer” for getting him through very aggressive cancer several years ago. Guests: Steven A. Denny and Greg Pierce, President and Publisher, ACTA Publications

Fr. Michael Trails talks with Kiandra Boyd, Tolton Scholar at Catholic Theological Union, about youth and young adults in the Black Catholic Community.

Sharon Tillmon has been tireless in her efforts to help fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities over the past 24 years. She now serves as Senior Program Director of Community Food and Essentials in our “Immediate Access and Basic Needs Impact Area.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon to The Voice of Charity to discuss her vast experience leading teams of Catholic Charities staff members and personally helping people in need stabilize and start to rebuild their lives, one person at a time.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Events that took place this summer in Kansas that affected the Kansas Catholic Conference. Guest: Chuck Weber, Executive Director of the Kansas Catholic Conference. Segment II: Effects of the Legalization of Marijuana. Guest: Ben Court, Chief Executive Officer of Foundry Treatment Center, Steamboat Springs, CO

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 16, 1-13 del domingo, 18 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 16 de septiembre de 2022

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interviewed Trish and Dan Buelow during the show. Married for over thirty five years, the couple has much wisdom to share. Through the ups and downs of their married life, they have maintained a strong sense of their Catholic Faith.

Megan interviews Deacon Don Grossnickle and Deacon Jerry Brennan of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish in Arlington Heights. They share the mission work of Microfinance Alliance Africa Projects Foundation. The MAAP Foundation works to lower maternal and infant mortality rates in Uganda through microfinance projects and collaboration with the local Catholic parishes and clinics in rural areas. In the extended interview, they continue the conversation to talk in more depth about how the MAAP Foundation works on the ground in Uganda and provides opportunities to develop the whole community.

Catholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Society is a new forum for dialogue and debate, convening partners, advocates and champions of Catholic Charities and our broader community for meaningful conversations regarding the needs of our region, our nation and the world, and the power of faith in meeting those needs. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anne Kelly Williams, a member of Catholic Charities Board of Directors, and Matthew McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to discuss two St. Martin de Porres Inaugural Events planned for this month.

Anthony Holter, President of Empower Illinois, talks to host Joyce Duriga about tax credit scholarships and how one local parish is raising $800,000 in tax credit scholarships for it's sharing school.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Queen of the Rosary Staff Builds a Community. Guests: Kathy McGinn; Rolando "RJ" Gomez.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 15, 1-32 del domingo, 11 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 9 de septiembre de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Catholic Impact Networking Group. Guests: Mary Kay Slowikowski and Tom Wesolowski. Segment II: Helen Reichert Lambin, author of An Empty Space In Your Heart: Reflections on the Death of a Sibling or Best Friend

Co-hosts Ray Pingoy and Blanca Rodriguez spend time talking with their guests about preparing for Respect Life Month which takes place in October. The first half of the program features Joe Lazar, Organizer of Vision 2020 Illinois. In the second half of the program, Ray and Blanca welcome Maria Goldstein and Laura Vandercar, who co-founded NorthWest Families for Life.

It is an exciting time at Catholic Charities as Regional Mission Boards become established in the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago, allowing us to serve client needs in new ways on the local, parish level. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christopher Torres, South/Southwest Cook Regional Director, Mary Ellen Brabec, South Regional Mission Board Chairperson and Timothy Richards, Southwest Regional Mission Board Chairperson to discuss how this new structure is forming in tandem with parish outreach ministries and community groups.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 14, 25-33 del domingo, 4 de septiembre de 2022. Viernes, 2 de septiembre de 2022

On the August 4, 2022 co-hosts Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic welcome Deacon James Maslanka and his wife, Jonalee Maslanka. Deacon James and Jonalee received the 2022 Diaconate Shared Ministry Award. During the broadcast, the couple share how they used devotions to bring parishioners of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish back to the church at the height of the pandemic. They give advice on how others could use devotions to unite and inspire a parish community. They explain how devotions brought the parish closer together and how they hope devotions will create a foundation for the new united parish of Holy Name of Mary, St. John de laSalle, and Ss. Peter & Paul on the Far Southside of Chicago. If anyone has questions or is interested in learning more about how to begin renewing/initiating devotions at their parish you can contact Deacon James and Jonalee Maslanka by email: [email protected]

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, “frequent flyer” guest for Dare to Love co-hosts with Sr. Lovina on this episode. Our guest, Mr. Len Uhal, is the National Director for Vocation Ministry for the Society of the Divine Word. Together with Fr. Adam, they work together with several others on their team. As a married lay person with children who also had initial formation experience in religious life prior to marriage, Len Uhal provides a valuable perspective on the importance of promoting vocation awareness in the community. For more information, visit: https://www.svdvocations.org/

The 2022 reunion of everyone associated with St. Vincent’s Orphanage will be held on Sunday, September 18 at 721 North LaSalle Street. This annual gathering celebrates the life-affirming work that was led by the Daughters of Charity in this building for ninety-one years, until the State of Illinois took over foster care in 1972. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes the Honorable Joseph K. Wood, County Judge of Washington County, Arkansas to discuss his experiences at St. Vincent’s and the inspiring work he has done, nationwide to increase support for adoption and foster care.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The 8th Annual Solemn Vespers for the Protection of our Natural Environment will take place at 7pm on August 31st at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview. The annual Induction Service on the evening of August 31 begins the liturgical year in the Greek Orthodox Church. It is a Greek Orthodox liturgy, to which Orthodox, Catholics, other Christians, and all people of good will are invited to attend. Guests: Dan Olsen, Michael Terrien, Gayle Woloschak, Fr. Jerry Boland, George Nassos

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 14, 1.7-14 del domingo, 28 de agosto de 2022. Viernes, 26 de agosto de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Catholic Scholars Program at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University. In order to enter into an adult relationship with Christ, Catholic Scholars take seriously the commitment to deepen their understanding of faith, pray on a regular basis, serve the needs of others, and provide leadership that is distinctively Catholic. Catholic Scholars are theologically grounded, spiritually alive, articulate in their faith, and joyfully involved in Catholic tradition. Graduates of this program are well‐prepared to serve on parish councils, teach CCD, participate in liturgy committees and lead social justice efforts. In addition they are able to bring Christian principles to their families and careers. Guests: Sr. Belinda Monahan, Moses Diaz-Torres, and Joe Arena. Segment II: The Transformational Listening Conference is set to take place at St. Ignatius College Prep this fall. Joining us to talk about the conference is Dr. John Igwebuike

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson continue delving into Desiderio Desideravi – On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God, Pope Francis’ most recent Apostolic Letter. This month they explore the theme of the Liturgy as the premier way that we encounter Jesus, who longs to eat with us at the Eucharist. They also discuss Pope Francis’ reflection on the importance of Baptism as that which allows us to participate in the Liturgy, “the Christian celebration.” Introduced in last month’s show, future broadcasts of Focus on the Liturgy will continue to explore the themes and nuances of Pope Francis’ letter.

Catholic Charitie Post-Adoption Services serves thousands of people who were adopted from Catholic Charities over the years. We offer registry information, search and reunion services, and support, in addition to providing a variety of services to those who would like to adopt a child now. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Kathy Herrera, Program Director for Pregnancy, Maternity and Adoption Programs, and Lisa Francis, Post-Adoption Specialist to discuss program updates this summer and the upcoming 2022 St. Vincent’s Orphanage Reunion on September 18.

Fr. Michael Trail spends time in conversation with Fr. Carl Gales, SVD. Fr. Gales was just recently ordained a priest.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakwociz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Formerly known as the St. Francis Retreat House in Oak Brook, Illinois, Mayslake Ministries is a lay-led 501.c.3 Catholic Christian Not-for-Profit Spirituality Center founded by Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM, in 1991 as a "retreat house without walls." Since 1991, Mayslake Ministries has served the spiritual needs of Catholic/Christian adult women and men from all walks of life, providing multiple spiritual opportunities for people who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. We are proud partners in faith with the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Joliet and the Diocese of Rockford. Joining us today to talk about what is new at Mayslake Ministries is Dr. Mary Amore. Segment II: For the next several Saturdays at St. Philip Neri School, schools kids from 7th to 12th grade can attend Project Peace: Youth Leadership for Non-Violence. Participants will: -Learn to change the culture of violence in our schools, homes, and neighborhoods -Form resilient youth against violence skills while practicing in a peaceful learning environment. -Learn techniques to handle difficult confrontations and -Develop and learn leadership skills Guests: Elfriede Wedam, Andre Rawls

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 13, 22-30 del domingo, 21 de agosto de 2022. Viernes, 19 de agosto de 2022

This month Megan meets Sr. Jacqueline Manyi Atabong, a Sister of St. Therese of the Child Jesus from Buea, Cameroon. She is the founder of the SEV Foundation, which stands for Support and Empowerment of Vulnerable Persons, a charitable, religious, socio-pastoral, socio-economic and educational organization. Megan asks Sr. Jackie to share about her ministry experience as a nurse, with the imprisoned and released, and care for women and children who are displaced and traumatized by the violent conflict in Cameroon. Sr. Jackie shares how she finds hope and trust in the midst of all this turmoil and brokenness.

In honor of the Feast of the Assumption, this month’s On the Way is dedicated to a conversation about Our Lady. Host Beth White is joined by José Coronel and Alicja Pozywio, both from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship. They discuss how Mary points us towards Jesus and is a role model for all evangelization efforts. José shares the history and Mexican cultural understanding of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Alicja does the same for the Black Madonna, also known as Our Lady of Czestochowa, who is very important to the people of Poland. Common themes in the conversation are the way in which Our Lady meets people where they are at, hears them, letting them know they belong to her son, all of which leads them into a deeper faith.

Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control show that the number of people experiencing mental health concerns has risen so much in the past two years that this is considered to be a global public health issue. At Catholic Charities, our Behavioral Health Programs are tailored to meet clients where they are at, and our experienced professionals are widely respected for the results they help clients achieve, often using Trauma-Informed Therapy. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Ellen Tannenbaum, Director of Catholic Charities Youth Counseling Programs to discuss how Trauma-Informed Therapy helps identify root causes of many mental health concerns and lead clients to happier times ahead.

Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S. discusses her ministry and how women religious are now holding monthly vigils to pray for homicide victims.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Tax Credit Scholarships. Guest: Britta Kreps. Segment II: Marriage and Family., Guest: Carlos Tejada Segment III: HHS Regulation on Section 1557. Guest: Patrick Cacchione

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: This is the season when students are beginning to return to school, which means that campus ministries everywhere are gearing up for a busy fall semester. Joining us for the first segment of today’s program are Father Bradley Zamora, chaplain and director of the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern Universityin Evanston, and his new director of campus ministry, Crystal Serrano-Puebla. Segment II: As of late July, about one hundred thousand Ukrainian refugees have been admitted to the United States as a result of Russia’s ongoing invasion and occupation of Ukraine. Many of those refugees are here in the Chicago area. Recently the Diaconate of Chicago partnered with St. Nicholas Cathedral School to assist some of those Ukrainian refugee families. Joining us for this segment of the program are Deacon James Norman, Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon James Sponder, Chairman of the Diaconate Council in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Anna Cirilli, Principal at the St. Nicholas Cathedral School.

We learn more about how using hip hop culture to engage young people in the journey of faith. We speak with Cortez Watson Jr., founder of the Hip Hop F.I.R.M. about the organization's work in creating curriculum and methodology to help center lives and experiences through an Afrocentric lens.

Casa Catalina, on Ashland Avenue started in 1984 as a Food Pantry for the parishioners of Holy Cross, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Over the years, it has become a vital Catholic Charities service site. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Michelle Ramirez, Casa Catalina Program Coordinate to discuss how this vibrant community center continues to serve the needs of individual clients and the entire neighborhood in an extremely organized, efficient way.

Fr. Michael Trail is the new host of the Black Catholic Initiative program. Today Fr. Trail speaks with Deacon LeRoy Gill and Fr. Bob Kelly, SVD about the annual Sunrise Prayer Service that takes place on the lakefront of Chicago

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Catholic Identity Justice Micro Credential Program. Guests: Dr. Donna Kiel; Dr. Molly Cinnamon. Segment II: New Directors of Inclusive Education and Federal Funds. Guests: Amy Lindel; Michelle Walthers

Sister Sharon Dillon, SSJ-TOSF, member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, currently lives in an intentional community in Chicago called, “The Fireplace.” Sr. Sharon talks about her vocation and her faithful living of her vows by being attentive to what is emerging and responding to the signs of the times. Find out more about The Fireplace initiative at The Fireplace Community. Get involved or participate in one of their event offerings. Sharon Dillon is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis who currently resides at the Fireplace Community in Chicago, Illinois. Sister Sharon is a respected leader, administrator and retreat facilitator. As a 15-year master special educator and Franciscan spiritual director, Sister Sharon is a self-proclaimed avid reader and is always looking at life with a focus on the integration of theology with her Franciscan spirituality. Sister Sharon served as the former executive director of the Franciscan Federation of the Third Order for the United States. She was both a writer and an integral facilitator in the creation of the “Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise” prayer book. Sister Sharon has lived with an individual who has special needs, served as the President for the My Own Place, INC board of directors, an agency that provides housing for individuals with special needs in the Maryland/Washington D.C. metro area and most recently taught theology at the Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Maryland. Sister Sharon currently lives in The FIREPLACE community and teaches special education in a public middle school setting.

Deacon Leroy Gil, founder and organizer of the Black Deacons’ Sunrise Prayer Service, explains how the Sunrise Prayer Service was established to pray for peace, as well as, the highlights over the last 13 years of the event. He shares his excitement for the upcoming Sunrise Prayer Service which will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022. This year the Sunrise Prayer Service has been expanded in collaboration with Our Lady of Africa Parish and the Black Catholic Initiative (BCI) to include a Peace Fellowship Breakfast and Peace Symposium to promote peace in a city plagued by violence.

On Today’s Fully Alive Dawn welcomes two coworkers from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity to discuss the roles of their ministries. During the first half Mauro Pineda from Pastoral Migratoria shares the work of the Immigration Ministry Team and during the second half of the show, Dawn introduces her newest coworker, Danielle Bodette who manages the Catholic Campaign for Human Development(CCHD) as well as the Archdiocesan relationship to Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities operates 16 Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Centers that are wonderful hubs of community support, supplying nutritious food, nutrition education and other information and referrals to low-income individuals and families, helping them gain access to Catholic Charities’ wide network of Community Development and Outreach Services. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Shivonnia Dickson, WIC Department Director of Operations who will provide an update on all of the great things happening at our WIC Centers this summer.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Pope Francis visited Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022, with stops in the provinces of Alberta and Quebec and the territory of Nunavut. The trip mainly focused on apologizing for the Catholic Church's role in the Canadian Indian residential school system and reconciliation with the country's Indigenous peoples. It was the first papal visit to Canada since 2002, when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Guests: Michael P. Murphy; Jody Roy; Sr. Sue Torgersen, CSJ

On the Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul, June 29th, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God. He writes to all the faithful and addresses such themes as Jesus’ deepest desire to share the Passover meal with each of us; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit’s profound love for us, and how God encounters us in a most unique and powerful way in the Liturgy and in the Sacraments. Todd Williamson, Danielle Noe and Timothy Johnston discuss this document and give an overall introduction to it.

Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program continues to be especially busy this year, welcoming additional refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine as hostilities continue to devastate these countries. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Case Managers Emily Parker and Sophia Schmall to discuss the tragic situations in the lives of our refugee clients, and how they are finding hope and healing as they rebuild their lives in Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: There is a new Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Deacon James Norman joins us to talk about how his journey of faith has led him to be the new Vicar for Deacons. Segment II: Build Each Other Up is a faith-based organization that organized to further connect Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge, and sharing parish, Epiphany, in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. This partnership has been working together since 2015 to create more affordable housing and local labor opportunities for families within the Epiphany community. Build Each Other Up is a not-for-profit 501 C (3) charity, and all donations go toward the properties and their renovations. They are now making progress on their 4th renovation! Guests: Rukeem Campbell, Dinitia Robinson, Bill Ristau

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 11, 1-13 del domingo, 24 de julio de 2022. Viernes, 22 de julio de 2022

This month Megan meets three lay missionaries who recently participated in a mission immersion trip in Piura, Peru. She talks with Linda Shea, Lisa Filip and Patti Gleason. This mission trip was organized by ministry leaders at Our Lady of Humility and St. Patrick Parish in Beach Park/Wadsworth. The trip is a key part of a larger mission relationship with Santisimo Sacramento Parish in Peru that has been developing for nearly 20 years!

Host Beth White talks to Kevin Pease, Director of IPS Scripture School at Loyola University, about HOPE.

For almost 20 years, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) has been helping low-income individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney. Staff members, and volunteer attorneys help clients navigate the complex legal world, and learn more about their rights and responsibilities regarding a variety of civil law issues. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch, two accomplished attorneys and dedicated CCLA volunteers to discuss how the program continues to evolve and help clients grow in their ability to advocate for themselves in legal matters.

The new Vicar for Deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon James Norman, joined host Joyce Duriga to talk about the diaconate in Chicago.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 10, 38-42 del domingo, 17 de julio de 2022. Viernes, 15 de julio de 2022