Catholic Charities is very fortunate to have employees who have dedicated themselves to the mission of the agency over many years. In some cases, they have experience as clients, volunteers and dedicated staff members, sharing their talents to help people of all ages through challenging times in their lives. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Petra Gutierrez, Senior Center Manager, North Center Senior Center who is one of these extraordinary longtime Catholic Charities employees.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Developing a robust pro-family economic agenda and supporting families as the cornerstone of a healthy and flourishing society. Guest: Patrick Brown, Fellow at Ethics and Public Policy Center. Segment II: Roe v. Wade Anniversary. Guest: Dawn Fitzpatrick, Director, Respect Life Office, Archdiocese of Chicago. Segment III: Preview of legislative session. Guests: Zach Wichmann - Director of Government Relations, Marilou Gervacio - Director of Social Services and Social Justice

Holy Name Cathedral was host to the 2022 Cathedral Rectors Conference. Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi invited some of the conference attendees to join them on this episode of Catholic Chicago.

Catholic Charities’ Lake County Region has had an incredibly busy year, serving an increased number of clients and adding programs and services to its new, second regional office. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Maureen Murphy, Associate Vice-President of Family and Support Services to discuss how Catholic Charities has adapted and expanded its service options in many positive ways to respond to the emerging needs of families in Lake County.

Host: Melissa Link. Segment I: St. Theresa School in Palatine is forming Christian Scholars for the 21st Century. Guests: Mary Keenley; Anne-Marie Kaiser. Segment II: Children of Peace School Creates a Unique Academic Experience. Guest: Lydia Nantwi.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 15 – 16. 21 - 22 del domingo, 9 de enero de 2022. Viernes, 7 de enero de 2022

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Dawn Fitzpatrick, Senior Coordinator for Respect Life and Chastity Education in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity. Dawn is a return visitor to the show and, in this month’s edition, she offers her insights on current Supreme Court litigation over both the Mississippi state law restricting abortion after fifteen weeks and Texas’ “Heartbeat Law.” Further, Dawn highlights efforts locally for the January observances of supporting life. Among local resources, Dawn points the audience to the Chicago March for Life (marchforlifechicago.org/) and to her office’s website (respectlifechicago.org). Either website will get you the information you need to register for the Chicago events supporting life in Illinois.

Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB is a member of the Benedictine Sisters at Saint Scholastica Monastery in Chicago www.osbchicago.org. She also serves as assistant campus minister at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University in Evanston. Sr. Belinda talks about her journey as an Archaeologist and eventually as a Benedictine nun. Discover with us the gifts of the Benedictine charism. You can get in touch with Sr. Belinda at [email protected]

Dawn and Ray welcome Steve Jacobs, Program Director of Illinois Right to Life to discuss the Supreme Court Hearing of Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health and it’s potential to overturn Roe vs Wade. Then, they talk about the upcoming Marches for Life, what an overturn to Roe vs Wade would mean for Illinois, and the need to support women so that they can choose life.

Vince Gerasole, Director of Multimedia Content for the Archdiocese of Chicago, leads a conversation with Chicago Catholic Editor, Joyce Duriga, about the stories and topics featured in the latest edition of Chicago Catholic, with a focus on "the year in review."

On January 29, Catholic Charities 21st Annual D’Vine Affair event offers wine and craft beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful virtual evening together in support of our single-parent families who are striving for greater self-sufficiency. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz Jr., President of Glunz Wines Import & Distribution House, and Donna Drinka, Program Director of Catholic Charities Community Casework Department to discuss this fabulous virtual event, and the ways the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is stabilizing families and enhancing the communities in which they live.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según 1 San Mateo 2, 1 - 12 24 del domingo, 2 de enero de 2022. Viernes, 31 de diciembre de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Rob Kaczmark from Spirit Juice Studios talks about a documentary Spirit Juice Studios produced about Gil Hodges, who was recently inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame. Fr. Greg, Mark and Rob also discussed a new Catholic kids program produced by Spirit Juice Studios called Juice Box.

As the world gets ready to ring in a New Year, Catholic Charities looks back on 2021 with gratitude for all that has been accomplished, despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic on our work. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes two members of Catholic Charities Executive Leadership Team, AMI NOVORYTA, Chief Program Officer and GINA CLEGGS, Senior Vice-President of Operations and Innovations to discuss the Year In Review and the agency’s hopes for 2022 under the leadership of our President and CEO, Sally Blount.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según 1 San Juan 3, 1 -2.21 - 24 del domingo, 26 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 24 de diciembre de 2021

Enjoy these live performances of music of the season.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Todd Williamson (ODW), Danielle Noe (LTP) and Timothy Johnston (Archdiocese of Washington) all gather for a discussion about the Great Solemnity of Christmas and the Christmas Season. The three discuss the liturgies, scriptures and symbols of this well-loved Christian Holiday.

Host Joyce Duriga talks with Denis McNamara about how Cardinal Mundelein wanted the architecture of Mundelein Seminary to be a response to American society.

It’s Christmas week, and as we all wait in awe and anticipation for the birth of Jesus, we look forward to time with loved ones in celebrating this blessed, holy day. As families prepare to break out familiar Christmas carols this week, we take a new look at a familiar Christmas song in Catholic Charities’ “Twelve Ideas For Christmas.” Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda for this special Christmas show.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Migration and Refugee Resettlement Services. Guest: Christopher Ross. Segment II: Discussing the Dobbs Decision. Guest: Dr. Steven Jacobs. Segment III: Promoting the Upcoming March for Life Chicago. Guest: Kevin Grillot.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 1, 39 – 45, del domingo, 19 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 17 de diciembre de 2021

This month Megan talks with Rev. Wilson Paulose, a priest currently ministering in the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey but who is originally from the Diocese of Rayagada, India. He serves as a mission appeal speaker for his home diocese as well as pastoral minister in New Jersey. Megan asks Rev. Paulose to share his own journey over this past year since he was infected with COVID and recovered, as well he has been grieving the loss so many back home in India. Nonetheless he maintains great hope and trust in the love and mercy of God through it all.

This month we interviewed David and Karen Groppel from the Twin Cities, MN, who have four children. As devout Catholics, they make their Faith the foundation of their marriage and family, and truly build their marriage of the Rock. They offered us some interesting insights which we will discuss in our next show.

Host Elizabeth White concludes the eight-part series about the qualities of a parish with a culture of evangelization with Mission. Joyce Duriga, Editor for Chicago Catholic, shares stories about people who go out on mission, who use their gifts in the world as a way to share Christ’s love. Joyce also tells her own story about what brought her to a career in Catholic journalism. To read the stories Joyce references, visit www.chicagocatholic.com. Kate Lynch, Director of Religious Education, and Mark Neuhengen, Director of Evangelization and Parish Ministry at St Teresa of Avila join the second half of the show. They offer ways in which they engage and empower parishioners to use their gifts in the parish as well as in their neighborhood. They talk about how this isn’t always easy, but necessary if we want to form missionary disciples. Beth, Kate and Mark also talk about Renew My Church and the way in which the parish of St. Teresa has actively engaged and embraced this process for renewal.

One of the best things about living in Chicago is the change of seasons. But in December, the change of seasons can be dreaded by those who do not have the funds for, or access to warm clothing. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon Tillmon, Department Director of Catholic Charities Family Stabilization Services to discuss the vital role that our Clothing Rooms play in our wrap-around services to help clients stay warm in the winter, and reach their greatest possible levels of self-sufficiency.

Hosts: Melissa Link and Ronnie Facen. Segment I: Catholic Schools Celebrate Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Guests: Scott Ernst; Velia Delgado; Andrea Guevara; Leah Reynoso. Segment II: Saint Patrick High School Makes St. Robert Bellarmine Student Honorary Basketball Captain. Guests: Mary Beth Nelson; Paul Csongradi

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 10 – 18, del domingo, 12 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 10 de diciembre de 2021

We learn more about the quincentennial of the Philippines and the annual Simbang Gabi Novena. The annual 9-day novena is back in-person this year. We hear about the opportunity to learn more about catechesis and evangelization through this this novena. Our guest is Fr. Tirso Villaverde. 

Besides the Nativity of our Lord, there are two very special feast days in December that feature Our Blessed Mother: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception and The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Reverend Gerard Kelly, C.M., Chaplain of Catholic Charities to explain the importance of these feast days and discuss how both days give us great reason for hope, even as the effects of the pandemic continue to present challenges for all.

Members of the God Squad‚ a team of volunteers from Chicago-area parishes, assembled the Nativity at Daley Plaza on Nov. 27, 2021. The annual tradition, now in its 36th year, is the only traditional display of the Nativity Scene in downtown Chicago’s public square. The group has launched a fundraising campaign to restore the statues and replace the major portions of the scene, some of which are over 30 years old. www.chicagocatholic.com

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Vicki Quade, creator of Late Nite Catechism, joins our hosts to talk about Christmas traditions, movie and theater reviews, and her new book.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 3, 1 – 6, del domingo, 5 de diciembre de 2021. Viernes, 3 de diciembre de 2021

John Siyumbu, MM (Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Maryknoll Society) got to know the Maryknoll Missionaries in Kenya, east Africa, and manages to bring about a major change in this community’s policies. This past October, John was ordained a transitional deacon, and will be ordained as a priest next year. He is currently finishing his formation studies at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and hopes to graduate in May 2022. Tune in and be inspired by his vocation journey.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Deacon Dan Welter. Deacon Dan, an Archdiocese of Chicago deacon, has an interesting resume. He is not only a retired Cook County judge, current Chancellor, but he also serves as a department store Santa Claus. We will talk with Deacon Dan about the good news he has seen in the department store—where he serves not only the children, but the parents and the store employees as well. To conclude the conversation, to show another dimension of Deacon Dan, we talk with about his duties as Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Chicago—who and what a chancellor is and does.

Dawn and Blanca welcome Father Charlie Plavonach from St Leonard’s in Berwyn to discuss his experience with Theology of the Body and how important it is for Men and Women to work together in God’s Plan. On the second half of the show, Jose Carlos Sandoval, a parishioner at St Leonard’s joins the discussion to share his conversion story and how TOB set his life on the right path. They also discuss an event at The Athenaeum on Friday December 3rd—The Theology of Our Lady of Gaudalupe.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been tremendously fortunate to have caring corporate partners, benefactors, trusted advisors and volunteers who believe in the mission of the agency as much as our leaders and employees do. When all of the members of one family fill all of these roles, we are especially blessed, and grateful. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Emile, Shari, Andrew and Caitlin Johnson to discuss their many contributions to the work of Catholic Charities, and their family ethos about giving back that inspires many people.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Michele Sotak and Fr. Lou Cameli spend the hour talking about the connection between faith and physical fitness.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 21, 25 – 28. 34 - 36, del domingo, 28 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 26 de noviembre de 2021

Catholic Charities is delighted to welcome guests back into 721 N. LaSalle Street on Thursday, November 25th, for the traditional Thanksgiving Day luncheon. This is one of our many efforts to continue to fight hunger and celebrate the holidays with our guests. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Andrew McKernin, Manager of Volunteer Relations, and Sharon Holmes, Supervisor of our eight Food Pantries to discuss how Catholic Charities will be offering a safe and festive Thanksgiving Day meal. We also will discuss the challenges of keeping Catholic Charities food pantries stocked over the winter months, and easy, very helpful ways that the public can support those who are facing food insecurity.

Hosts: Fr,. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic and spends time discussing the current labor shortage in health care and other areas.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 18, 33 - 37, del domingo, 21 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 19 de noviembre de 2021

Co-hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie unpack their previous interview with guests Bob and Patti Nowak.

Megan sits down with Jenn Delvaux, the Senior Evangelization Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Evangelization. They discuss what the phrase “missionary disciple” meanings and its origins. Jenn and Megan compare notes for what a missionary disciple looks like if he/she is active in the parish community and if she/he is active in local or global mission. They talk about what this has to do with Renew My Church here in the Archdiocese of Chicago and what it could mean for a complete culture change in the Catholic Church.

Continuing on the theme of the eight qualities of a culture of evangelization, co-hosts Elizabeth White and Jenn Delvaux talk about the importance of mission. Joseph Malham, iconographer and author, joined the conversation to talk about his journey and his role as an artist in residence at St. Gregory the Great church, which is part of Mary, Mother of God parish. Through his gifts and talents, Joe witnesses to God’s love and grace. To find out more about Joe and his works visit trinity-icons.myshopify.com/

Catholic Charities St. Nicholas Ball is among the largest, most glamorous events of the Christmas season in Chicago! Benefactors, families and friends look forward each year to this gala that raises crucial funds for our programs and services. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Angel Gutierrez, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, along with the 2021 Co-Christmas Gift CoordinatorS of Lake County, Steve and Christy King to preview this fabulous evening, and the ways that the work of Catholic Charities in Cook and Lake counties leads the way for the planning of the St. Nicholas Ball.

Guests are Darlene Duggan, vice president of the FIRE Foundation of Greater Chicago, and Michael Kendrick, principal of St. James School in Arlington Heights

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I; Repeal of the Parental Notification of Abortion Act. Guest: Rep. Chris Bos, 51st District. Segment II: Healthcare Right of Conscience Act. Guest: Patrick Cacchione. Segment III: Visas for Religious Workers. Guest: David Spicer, J.D.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 13, 24 - 32, del domingo, 14 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 12 de noviembre de 2021

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Julie Ryan McGue is an identical twin and an adoptee. Her writing centers on finding out who you really are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Segment II: Fr. J. Michael Sparough produced and directed a 33-minute documentary titled “Courage to Forgiv.” It is the story of Cardinal Bernardin’s reconciliation with his accuser, Steven Cook and a moving tribute honoring the Cardinal with a message of forgiveness.

Guests: Jeanne Lassandrello and Kathy McNicholas