Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps low-income, single parents with case management and employment services, for up to five years, as they work to improve their quality of life. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Maureen Murphy, Associate Vice President of Family & Parish Support Services to discuss the 2022 Achievement Celebration that recognized the accomplishments of hardworking program participants who are overcoming barriers and striving for a better future for themselves and their children.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Catholic Relief Services for Ukraine with Caroline Brennan. Help is needed in Ukraine where there are already more than 2.9 million people in need of assistance! There is great risk of additional suffering both within Ukraine and for those who are fleeing to neighboring countries for safety. CRS and our partners need immediate support to meet both ongoing needs as the situation intensifies. Years of conflict along the eastern border have already displaced 1.3 million people from their homes and claimed 14,000 lives and now 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine. Almost ninety percent of the refugees are women and children. Throughout this time, Caritas Ukraine, with support from CRS, has been providing emergency relief and recovery. CRS and Caritas partners on the ground are preparing across Ukraine and in bordering countries, providing safe shelter, hot meals, hygiene supplies, transport to safe areas, counseling support and more. The situation there is rapidly unfolding, and we could not do this work without your help. When you donate, you provide immediate assistance for your Ukrainian sisters and brothers affected by this crisis. Your prayers and support will make so much difference. To learn more and to donate, visit crs.org Segment II: Religious Freedom Week with Aaron Weldon. Religious freedom allows the Church, and all religious communities, to live out their faith in public and to serve the good of all. Beginning June 22, the feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, the USCCB invites Catholics to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom. Topics for Pray-Reflect-Act during the week: June 22 – Walking with Moms in Need June 23 – Church Vandalism June 24 – Adoption and Foster Care June 25 – Taxpayer Funding for Abortion June 26 – Religious Freedom in China June 27 – Pregnancy Resource Centers June 28 – Health Care Workers June 29 – Free Speech Details and action items for each day can be found at www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 11-17 del domingo, 19 de junio de 2022. Viernes, 17 de junio de 2022

This month Megan talks with Barbara Escobar, the Maryknoll Mission Educator-Promoter for the Chicago and Midwest Region. Barbara tells Megan a little about herself and her ministry background before talking more specifically about her current work with Maryknoll Mission Education. Barbara describes mission education and formation opportunities that Maryknoll offers to both teens and young adults. In the extended interview Barbara also speaks about formation opportunities for adults and mission immersion trips as well.

Bishop Robert Lombardo, Bishop of Vicariate 3 in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Sally Blount, Catholic Charities President and CEO will discuss “Poverty and the Catholic Response” on June 22 at the Newberry Library. This will be the inaugural event of the St. Martin de Porres Society, a new Catholic Charities forum for dialogue and debate on issues such as economic growth, social justice, the Mission of Charity and the power of faith in serving. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to preview this special event on June 22.

On the Way welcomes Brian Romer Niemiec, Lifelong Formation Coordinator for Vicariate Two, for a conversation with Co-Hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux about the first fruits of evangelization work in parishes in his vicariate. Jenn Delvaux has worked with a number of parishes in Vicariate Two and together with Brian and Beth, they discuss tangible signs of renewal. At the end of the show, Beth and Jenn share a personal note. Jenn Delvaux is leaving her role in the Archdiocese and this is her last show as Co-Host. To close out their time together, Beth asks Jenn to reflect on her learnings from walking with parishes during these last five years.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 16, 12-15 del domingo, 12 de junio de 2022. Viernes, 10 de junio de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins Fr. Greg and Mark for the full hour to discuss current developments of various topics.

Sr. Alicia Torres from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels joined host Joyce Duriga to discuss the National Eucharistic Revival.

After Supper Visions is one of the most creative programs ever established at Catholic Charities. Guests of our Tuesday Night Suppers are offered the opportunity to grow in their talents as photographers. Now in its 20th year, artists continue to produce beautiful photographic artwork that rivals that of any art gallery in Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Fr. Wayne Watts, Ellen Gorney and Jody O’Connor to discuss how this program affirms artists and welcomes them into a wonderful community of supportive people who respect them and believe in their potential.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Stephanie Baliga talks about the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels after the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary returned to the Mission. Segment II: Teresa Scalise, music minister at Mary, Seat of Wisdom, talks about her music ministry and we hear a couple of Teresa's performances.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-23 del domingo, 5 de junio de 2022. Viernes, 3 de junio de 2022

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Director of the Joliet Diaconate, who walks through the highlights of his new book, Discovering Christ the Servant: A Spirituality of Service. Deacon Dominic explains how the servanthood of Christ, which animates what a deacon does, is a servanthood all Christians are called to. This is liberating good news, as well as a challenge—all Christians, lay and ordained, are called to enact in every situation their identities as disciples of Jesus.

Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD talks about how vocation efforts during the pandemic including his experience leading a Confirmation Retreat for young people and the gift of witnessing the journey of a priest he has accompanied over the years. Contact information for Fr. Adam: Toll-Free: 800-553-3321 | Cell: 847-644-8320 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.svdvocations.org | Facebook: www.facebook.com/adamsvd | Twitter: @AMacDonaldSVD

Dawn and Ray welcome Nikki Biese, Executive Director of Biking for Babies in the first half of the show. Biking for Babies aims to renew a Culture of Life, one pedal stroke and one pregnancy resource center at a time. They offer an impressive formation program for young adults, which culminates in a weeklong bicycle ride across the country. Donate toward the mission and in support of pregnancy resource centers and follow the 2022 National Ride (July 11-16) at www.bikingforbabies.com. On the second half of the show, Dawn and Ray discuss the progress of the Chastity Education Initiative, what they have accomplished this year as well as what is coming up. Echo Chicago is still accepting young adults to attend for the weekend at St Xavier University June 24-26. More information is available at www.respectlifechicago.org/events.

Catholic Charities 2022 Golf Invitational will be held on Monday, June 27th at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields. Proceeds from this event will support all Catholic Charities programs and services in Cook County. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Marty Endre and Mike Smith, Chairmen of the 2022 Golf Invitational to discuss how this fabulous event is a Win-Win each year for those who love a great round of golf and the chance to support people in need with Catholic Charities.

Host: Vince Gerasole. Segment I: St. Symphorosa Student Illustrates a Children’s Book. Guests: Kathy Berry, Joseph P. Segment II: National History Finalist is Student from St. Luke School. Guests: Andrew DiMarco, James Bratager, Ryann D.,

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 17, 20 – 26 del domingo, 29 de mayo de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: We are blessed to have the opportunity to get to know one of the men who were ordained to the priesthood in a ceremony celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich this past Saturday. Fr. Joseph Brom will now serve as a priest at St. John Cantius parish. He joins us this morning to talk to us about his formation journey and his hopes for the future. Guest: Fr. Joseph Brom, SJC. Segment II: For the first time in two years, Memorial Day field Masses will be held in person at Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Cemeteries across the region on Monday, May 30. Active military and veterans will be asked to come forward for a special blessing followed by the playing of Taps. The annual Memorial Day remembrance was established by the Catholic Cemetery Conference to honor the men and women of the armed forces who died while serving, as well as active military and veterans. Guest: Theodore (Ted) Ratajczyk

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the culminating celebrations of the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost. Each of these Solemnities lead us into a deeper understanding of the Easter Season and what it calls us to as disciples of Jesus. Toward the end of the show they also touch on the Eucharistic Revival and the celebration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord.

Representatives from the U.S. National Council on Aging recently contacted our Josephine P. Argento Senior Center and asked for the opportunity to visit the center and interview a number of our clients, as part of their study on the growth of senior centers nationwide. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Robert Boyd, Director of the Argento Senior Center and Magnolia Chandler, one of the seniors who was interviewed to discuss the many ways that the Argento Center, and the other eleven Catholic Charities Drop In Centers help seniors stay active and independent, enjoying life in their own homes and communities.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Today we get to know six of the men who were ordained permanent deacons at Holy Name Cathedral on Saturday, May 14th. Segment I: First up we have Manuel Ruiz who serves the community of Our Lady of the Heights/Nuestra Senora de las Alturas in Chicago Heights, and Roberto Reyes who serves the community of Santa Maria Magdalena in Blue Island. Segment II: Up next we are joined by John Ruskin who serves the community at Prince of Peace in Lake Villa, and Joseph McCain who serves the community of St. John the Evangelist in Streamwood. Segment III: For our final segment we are joined by Krzysztof (Kris) Slowikowski who serves the community at St. John Brebeuf in Niles, and Moyossola (Jean) Boussari who serves the community of St. Colette in Rolling Meadows.

Hosts Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie unpack their interview with Bill and Ileene-Marie Mooney

This month Megan sits down with two recently ordained and graduated priests, Fr. Falasiko Matovu and Fr. Peter Walusimbi. These two are from the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana in Uganda. They have been attending the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary for the last five years, with the support of the Global Mission Office. Megan asks them to share some treasured memories from their studies and formation and to share about their experiences of ordination back in May 2021 in Uganda.

Catholic Charities is embarking on a bold, new vision to expand our work on the parish level through Regional Mission Boards in the six vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago. We invite individuals, families, neighbors, friends, and corporations of all sizes to join us as Partners in Mission, Partners in Giving and/or Partners in Prayer and make a positive difference in the lives of people who are suffering. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Rene Medina, Regional Mission Board Chairperson for the City Southwest Region to discuss the positive momentum that is building already for this new partner structure.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dobbs Decision and Roe v. Wade. Guest: Amy Geherke. Segment II: Disability Outreach via Patients' Rights Action Fund. Guest: Ian McIntosh. Segment III: Combating Sin of Racism Workshop. Guest: Veronica Burchard

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 13, 31 – 33ª. 34-35 del domingo, 15 de mayo de 2022. Viernes, 13 de mayo de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz 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 Christian/Catholic adult men and women from all walks of life, providing multiple spiritual opportunities for people who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The programs and services are sanctioned by the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Dioceses of Joliet and Rockford, Illinois. Today we talk with Dr. Mary Amore about the latest offerings from Mayslake Ministries. Segment II: The 49th Annual Summer Scripture Conference is scheduled to take place on the grounds of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary from June 19 to June 24. Joining us to talk about this year’s conference is Megan Deichl and Linda Couri.

Guests: Elizabeth Kos and Joseph Quane

A wonderful team-building initiative was started at Catholic Charities in the fall of 2021, uniting all employees in monthly gatherings that invite staff members to share their opinions and ideas while they meet employees from other service areas and celebrate their shared commitment to helping people in need. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Edward Leiser, Manager, Employee Communications to discuss the objectives of these Employee Gatherings and the positive impact they have had already throughout our large organization.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10, 27 – 30 del domingo, 8 de mayo de 2022.

Our guests today are Sister Michele Fisher, CSFN, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth ( www.NazarethCSFN.org) and Brother Tim Smyth, CFC, a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers of the North American Province (www.ercbna.org). Pray the rosary with the CSFNs in Ukraine via Zoom at 1:00 pm central. To join the Sisters for the online Rosary at 9pm (Kiev time), the following ZOOM link can be used: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4394440126…

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two of their brother deacons from the Diocese of Joliet. Joining the show are Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Director of the Joliet Diaconate, and Deacon Victor Puscas, Director of Deacon Formation for the Joliet Diocese. Listen in as the four deacons talk about commonalities between the two diaconates, as well as encourage all the baptized to focus their own lives on emulating Christ the Servant. It is the servanthood of Christ that animates what a deacon does and this servanthood is something all Christians are called to.

Dawn and Ray welcome Brian Butler, Executive Director of DumbOx Ministries on the first half of today’s Fully Alive. They discuss the relationship of Theology of the Body and Dumb Ox Ministries, the upcoming Echo Experience for Young Adults which will be held on June 24-26 in Chicago, and Brian reveals a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! During the second half of the show, Nick Costello from HEAL (Home to Enhance African Life) ministries joins to discuss the mission that he leads in Nigeria to build strong families and children through the love of Christ.

Mothers hold a special place in each of our hearts. As we approach Mother’s Day, we dedicate this show to all mothers, and discuss the many ways that Catholic Charities supports moms in all Seasons of Motherhood, through various stages in their lives. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Angel Gutierrez, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement for this heartwarming conversation.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho, author of Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima and vice-postulator of the cause for canonization of Sr. Lucia, and Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews, founder of the Broken Mary Project, are the guests for the full hour. Sr. Angela has come all the way from Portugal to Chicago to travel around Cook and Lake counties to speak to audiences about Understanding the Message of Fatima. Guests: Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho and Kevin Matthews.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 21, 1 – 19 del domingo, 1 de mayo de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Vicar for Religious, talks about how retired religious benefit from the generosity of contributions to the Religious Retirement Fund. Segment II: Bishop Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Vicariate VI, discusses the Men's Conference that occurred recently and gives an update on where things are in the cause for canonization of Father Augustus Tolton.

In the Second Week of Easter, this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy explores this Great Season, this “Week of Weeks,” this 50-day Feast! Co hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss and break open the liturgies, Mass texts and readings of the season which give us direction on how to live, now that we have renewed our baptism at Easter.

Guests: Sean Reilly and Danielle Pitzer

For more than forty years, the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program has been offering compassionate resources for healing to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Founded by Charles T. Rubey, the LOSS Community just gathered for the 31st Annual LOSS Brunch which was a virtual event this year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Emily Tegenkamp, LOSS Program Coordinator to discuss how LOSS has expanded coast to coast in recent months.

We interviewed Bill and Ileene-Marie Mooney during the show. Married for over thirty 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 which bolstered them especially in stormy times.

Megan interviews Fr. José Murcia Abellan, pastor of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish in Chicago, and Alejandro Guevara, currently in formation at the Diocesan Missionary Seminary, Redemptoris Mater in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Megan asks them about the faith of the people in Ukraine and the role of the church as well. Fr. José and Alejandro share how the people have been impacted by the war as well. Megan asks them to reflect on the vocation of the missionary priest and God's Mission in Ukraine at this time.

This month our host, Jenn Delvaux, speaks with Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt about their book, Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s. Shannon and Maria shared themes from their book on Easter, Esther, and a (really brief) primer on the Black Church. As they told the story of the genesis of their podcast, Plaid Skirts and Basic Black, along with the process of writing their book they shared personal stories, great joy, and even more laughter. In the final segment of the hour, Sr. Kasia Banasiewicz, a coordinator in the Office for Evangelization, joined to share a few stories from family and friends in Poland helping to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Those who are able to do so, are encouraged to support the relief efforts via the Archdiocesan website and utilize some of the resources to pray for the refugees and all those affected by the war.

The Peace Corner Youth Center is a safe haven for youth on Madison Street in the Austin neighborhood. With parental involvement and support, school-aged children and young adults learn valuable life skills and engage in after-school programming, academic enrichment, civic engagement and a variety of sports and recreational activities. In March, the 13-14 Boys Basketball Team won a division championship for the Westside Sports League in a thrilling victory. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christie Richardson, Melissa Lucas, Brandon Wilkerson and Sargent Jermaine Harris, of the Chicago Police Department to learn more about the Peace Corner Youth Center, this special team of players and their hard-earned achievement this spring.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Safer Foundation’s Second Chance State Education Act is part of our 6-bill Second Chance State legislative initiative. The initiative aims to reduce crime by responding to the social determinants of justice-involvement, incarceration and recidivism. The philosophy underlying this initiative is that the most effective means of reducing crime is to make returning residents successful and healthy. Guest: Mark McCombs. Segment II: What is going on in Florida? Guest: Michael Sheedy. Segment III: Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems. Guest: Shane Hartman.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 1 – 9 del domingo, 17 de abril de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Super Team from the Office for Divine Worship break down the elements of the holiest week for Catholics. Guests: Todd Williamson; Wendy Silhavy; Carmen Arroyo.

We learn more about inspiring young adults to go deeper in their faith through the lens of Laudato Si, a Papal Encyclical on the environment. We learn more about the Integral Ecology Retreat co-hosted by the Archdiocese of Chicago alongside Catholic Climate Covenant. We are joined by guests - Anna Robertson (Catholic Climate Covenant), Meg Boyle (Old St. Pat's), and Michael Terrien - Laudato Si Ecumenical and Interreligious Liasion for the Archdiocese of Chicago.