The chapel at the University of Illinois at Chicago recently underwent renovations and was dedicated by Cardinal Cupich on Jan. 8, 2022. The chapel renovation was part of a larger renovation of the center that included the addition of a coffee bar and updated gathering space.

During this Holy Week, as we reflect on Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection, we are reminded of the sites in Jerusalem where pilgrims still venerate these events today. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Reverend Edward Harnett, who has led twelve trips to the Holy Land and studied biblical history extensively. Through a virtual Holy Land experience, Fr. Harnett will help us grow in appreciation for all that Jesus endured for us, by learning more about the locations where His divine sacrifice took place.

Host: Melissa Link and Roni Facen. Segment I: Divine Providence Hosts and All-School Service Day. Guest: Lynn Letourneau. Segment II: Early Childhood Language Intense Program at St. Zachary School. Guest: Darlene Potenza

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 23, 1 – 49 del domingo, 10 de abril de 2022.

Sister Mayra Eva Melgar-Lopez, MSCS, originally from Mexico, has been a member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo Scalabrinians for less than six years. Although her family doesn’t practice their Catholic faith and starting out as a self-proclaimed atheist, a Lenten retreat turned things around. A profound experience with the very poor and later some accompaniment with Scalabrinian Sisters led to her joining the community as a member. To learn more about the congregation, visit: Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo Scalabrinians (scalabriniansisters.org)

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Monsignor John Canary, Chicago priest, holder of many honors and offices in the Archdiocese of Chicago and currently Director of the Archdiocese’s Joseph and Mary Retreat House. Listen in as Monsignor Canary discusses what a retreat is, how it helps us in our walk with the Lord and how one can seek to receive the benefits of a retreat even while we stay at home. Also, Monsignor Canary identifies the different kinds of retreats and, in a few concluding minutes, begins a conversation on the spirituality of St. John of the Cross. The website for Joseph and Mary Retreat House is www.josephandmaryretreat.org.

On today’s show, Dawn and Ray interview Father Chuck Dahm about the Domestic Violence Outreach and its upcoming Gala. They also talk with Jeannie Balanda of Amate House regarding the work of Amate House, its fellows and the upcoming Amate Magic Fundraising Event. On the second half of the show, our hosts welcome Kat Talalas, Communication Director of the USCCB’s Prolife Secretariat, to discuss how to support women to have real choices when in an unplanned pregnancy. They also discuss the possibilities of a post-Roe world in the next few months, depending on the outcome of the Dobbs case at the Supreme Court.

Pregnancy can be a joyful time, but if a mother is struggling with substance use while she is pregnant, or adjusting to being a new mother, the health of the mother and her baby are serious concerns. Catholic Charities TRANSFORMING LIVES program helps young mothers deal with this difficult situation so that they and their babies become healthier over the course of the pregnancy and throughout the child’s first year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes LAURA KUEVER, Catholic Charities Associate Vice-President in our Child, Youth and Family Service Area and ALYSAN ANDERSON, the Transforming Lives Lead Doula and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to talk about this life-affirming program.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Peter’s in the Loop is celebrating their 175th anniversary. Fr. Bob Hutmacher, Guardian of St. Peter’s in the Loop, joins us for the first segment to talk about the ongoing celebration and to promote Holy Week events at the church. Segment II: Kolbe House is the agency of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago that serves individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system. Compelled by the Gospel mandate, “I was in prison and you visited me,” Kolbe House at Assumption BVM — a parish-based jail ministry — is a sanctuary for those impacted by incarceration. Guests: Emily Cortina and Pat Sullivan. Segment III: Mustard Seeds is a small faith community at Holy Name Cathedral. Joining us for the last segment of today’s program to discuss the value of small Catholic Christian Faith communities are three members of Mustard Seeds, LouAnn Burkhardt, Sue Kovacs, and Christine Lawless.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 8, 1 – 11 del domingo, 3 de abril de 2022.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On March 25, 2022, Pope Francis consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart alongside Ukraine, with both countries explicitly mentioned, amid the Russo-Ukrainian War. Joining us to talk about this consecration is the director of the Office for Divine Worship, Todd Williamson. Segment II: On Sunday, April 3rd at 2:30pm, a mass for journalists and their families covering the Ukraine conflict will be held at St. Mary of the Lake church on Chicago’s north side. Joining us for this segment are Michael Puente, journalist and organizer of the mass, and Michael Ruzicki, Music Director at St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Segment III: Vince Gerasole interviews a Chicago woman who is on the front line of helping refugees.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Unlocking Communities equips entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities. Through focusing on entrepreneurship development, water filtration system production, community needs response, and global franchising, UC has impacted over 130,000 people since 2018. Guest: Josh Goralski. Segment II: Each year we follow the passion of Christ in the heart of our city, where thousands of people carry their cross every day. Through choral music, Gospel passages, reflections, and our silent procession, we hope to enter more deeplly into the events of Good Friday and their meaning for us today. We ask to experience the exceptional Presence of Christ among us as a real answer to the needs of our hearts. Guests: Bishop Mark Bartosic, Sepha Skean, Terese Black

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 15, 1-3.11-32 del domingo, 25 de marzo de 2022. Viernes, 23 de marzo de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Linda Nardone is an active parishioner at Holy Name Cathedral and has written a memoir entitled "My Journey to Steadfast Faith." Guest: Lina Nardone. Segment II: For 37 years, Amate House has attracted dedicated and caring young people who are answering the call to not just a year of service, but to the opportunity to grow and become leaders who will go on to change the world long after their year at Amate House.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson address the call of Pope Francis to pray personally and publicly for peace in Ukraine. Timothy and Todd look at the rich collection of prayers, Masses and scripture that speak to the sad human experience of war, exile, and civil disturbance. In a special way, they look ahead to Holy Week in this time of war and suffering in the world.

In this final installment of our two-part series on Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services, we discuss the Care Coordination that takes place between Catholic Charities departments, and other domestic violence service providers to ensure that victims/survivors receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes BETH KLIEGER, a Domestic Violence Clinical Manager, and MARIA PRASEK, an Intake Specialist who will describe the caring network of support that exists in Cook and Lake counties for those who have had this traumatic experience.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Scholarship Tax Credit. Guest: Anthony Holder. Segment II: School Mask Mandates. Guest: Vito DeFrisco. Segment III: Predatory Lending. Guest: Meegan Dugan Adell

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 28b-36 del domingo, 20 de marzo de 2022. Viernes, 18 de marzo de 2022

If there is one thing that stands out in Dave and Karen Groppel's marriage, it is intentionality. They do everything deliberately: their couple time, their date night and also their parenting. They make their marriage their top priority by investing time and effort on their relationship.

Megan meets Fr. Godwin Kornu, a Comboni priest for over 20 years, who is originally from Ghana. He has ministered in Chad and Ghana as a parish priest and recently joined the Comboni Mission Center in La Grange Park, IL.

In honor of women’s history month, Beth White, welcomes Vinita Hampton Wright, author, retreat leader and retired book editor, to On the Way to discuss her newest book,Set the World on Fire: A four-week personal retreat with the female doctors of the Church. This book is scheduled for release on March 25, 2022 through Ave Maria Press. Vinita discusses the way in which these four very important women influenced our common understanding of God and were incredible contributors to the theology of the Church. This book is designed to help all on their deepening spiritual journey. Beth and Vinita also discussed how going deeper inward should lead us into an outward movement. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day week, On the Way welcomes Fr. Ken Simpson, Administrator of Old St. Pat's Catholic Church in the West Loop of Chicago. Old St. Pat’s hosted Shamrock’n the Block, a new event with rooted in their long tradition of block parties. The event gathered more than 2,000 on parade day. Fr. Ken and Beth discussed how these types of gatherings are wonderful ways to have a presence in the larger community, to engage parishioners as hosts of the party, and to intentionally invite and encourage guests to join upcoming parish offerings. In addition to these social events, Old St. Pat’s has a long history of being focused on the spiritual development of their adults and offers many opportunities to grow in their relationship with Christ and His Church. All are welcome to explore.

We begin a two-part series on Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services, taking a closer look at our comprehensive programs that help victims/survivors begin a safer, happier chapter in the lives. This show features a discussion about Catholic Charities two Domestic Violence Transitional Housing residences in Cook and Lake counties. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes ANNE GROSKLAUS and AIDA SEGURA, the Program Directors of Catholic Charities House of the Good Shepherd and House of Peace, where healing and hope are found every day.

Host Joyce Duriga talks to Michael Le Chevallier from the Lumen Christi Institute about the catholic programming and discussions that are available on college campuses.

Host: Brian Brach. Segment I: St. Jerome School has been serving the community for 100 years. Guests: Mary Hyland and Will Babich. Segment II: The Illinois Principals Associations West Cook Region Middle School Principal of the Year. Guest: Meg Bigane. Segment III: Saint Pope John Paul II School students are enjoying their new Esports program. Guest: Philip Cahill.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 28b-36 del domingo, 13 de marzo de 2022. Viernes, 11 de marzo de 2022

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Misericordia Bakery is expanding! A brand new location will be opening this Spring. Guests: Julie O'Sullivan, Beth Woytek. Segment II: The 26th Annual Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture will be held on Tuesday, March 22. Guests: Dan Olsen, Barbara March Kantrow, Rabbi Reni Dickman

We speak with Rick Landry, who is a facilitator with Go Forth, a small group facilitator training hosted by the Faith Hub. The training process is a 5-week series that is offered in Spanish and English in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

As Lent begins, we are reminded of the call to become holier, more generous people. Many saints devoted their lives to caring for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and all who are struggling in any way. Their steadfast commitment to service inspires our efforts to continue to fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities in 2022. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes REVEREND GERARD KELLY, C.M., Chaplain of Catholic Charities to discuss how these saints can provide encouragement and motivation in our Lenten journeys today.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Chicago Catholic Lawyers Guild Lenten Retreat for 2022 will be held on Friday, March 11 at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park. Guests: Honorable Thomas More Donnelly, Honorable Edward Washington II, Fr. Bob Cook. Segment II: Mayslake Ministries is offering a 6-week Lenten series on the Eucharist beginning March 8th. Guest: Dr. Mary Amore

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 4, 1-13 del domingo, 6 de marzo de 2022. Viernes, 4 de marzo de 2022

Sister Lovina’s conversation with Sister Debbie Borneman of NRVC continues. God’s call to love and serve is unending. Are there people entering religious communities? Who are they? Vocation ministry is not all about “recruitment” to get people to replace roles or positions. Walking with young people who truly need a “listening ear” and meeting them where they are at is the kind of vocation discernment we offer today, much like Religious meet people at the country borders or in other social justice ministries – to be present where people are in need and where we can be God’s presence to others. Visit www.nrvc.net for statistics about new entrants and for vocation discernment ministry resources.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic for their fascinating conversation with Deacon Thomas Biegel, Coordinator of the Archdiocesan Office of Spiritual Healing Ministry. Deacon Tom describes the work of his office, what healing is, what might need to be healed (and it is more than the physical) and how our Faith and its sacraments are essential for the path to wholeness. Deacon Tom relates how people can contact his office and how the office is able to respond. Distinctions among healing, deliverance, oppression or possession are offered to help in thinking more clearly about the fullness of Christ’s peace. The website for the Office of Healing Ministry is https://www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/spiritual-healing-ministry.

On this Ash Wednesday edition of Fully Alive, Dawn and Ray continue the “Meet our Intern” segment during the first half of the show by welcoming Kathleen O’Brien. Kathleen shares her experiences as a missionary in China, her background and enthusiastically discusses the Archdiocese’s role as a part of the Vatican’s Laudato Si Action Plan. On the second half of the show, Christopher West, President and co-founder of Theology of the Body Institute joins Dawn and Ray to discuss TOBI’s new commentary and translation of a 2-day retreat from Saint Pope John Paul II God is Beauty. They also discuss the upcoming event Made for More, which is coming to the Chicago area on April 5 and 6. Tickets are available here: https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/respect-life-chastity-education/events

One of the most effective Catholic Charities sites for assisting clients with mental health concerns is The Encompassing Center, offering accessible, quality services to low-income and underinsured West Side residents. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes JENNIFER SMITH, LCPC, Program Director to discuss the many ways that The Encompassing Center has become a welcoming place of friendship and professional assistance since it opened in 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon talks to our hosts about the current state of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the ongoing labor shortage.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: The Chicago Bears have granted $200,000 to Leo High School for a new athletic field. Guests: Marge Hamm; Lauren Lewis; Dan McGrath. Segment II: The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Archives and Records Center has created an online exhibit that highlights Black Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago for Black History Month. Guest: Charles Heinrich

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danelle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson talk about the great season of Lent. They break open the theology and spirituality of the season, discuss the liturgies we celebrate during it, and explore the whole role and purpose of Lent.

Catholic Charities headquarters, at 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago is fortunate to have a dedicated team of employees from Monterrey Security greeting and assisting all who come through our doors, 24 hours a day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes CHARLES WATSON, Supervisor of these professional security guards to discuss all the ways that they connect clients to various programs and services, and see the impact that Catholic Charities has in their lives.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: The Legalization of Marijuana and it's Impact on Chicago. Guest: Jame O'Grady. Segment II: Pro-Life Legislative Updates. Guest: Molly Malone Rumley. Segment III: Illinois Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Guest: Amy Zimmerman

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 6, 27-38 del domingo, 20 de febrero de 2022. Viernes, 18 de febrero de 2022

Megan talks with Fr. Chris Promis, retired Spiritan missionary priest, and Anne Marie Hansen, a Spiritan Lay Associate. They describe the mission and ministries of the Spiritan congregation of priests, brothers and lay associates. They also reflect on some local Chicago connections. And Megan asks about the 150th Anniversary of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit's U.S. Province taking place in 2022-2023.

On the Way welcomes Fr. Jason Malave, Cardinal’s Liaison for Renew My Church, for a conversation with Co-Host Beth White about where we as an Archdiocese in the process. He shares his perspective on the hope that Building the New Reality brings to us. Fr. Jason also shares his own personal story about how this process has impacted him as a priest and as a disciple. In the second half of the show, Co-Host Jenn Delvaux interviews author Paul Jarzembowski about his new book, Hope from the Ashes: Insights and Resources for Welcoming Lenten Visitors. Ash Wednesday and Lent bring many people to our parishes and faith based events, some we don’t see at other times of the year. They discuss how these are opportunities to evangelize, accompany, and help people develop a sense of belonging. Paul and Jenn explore why this season brings people back to church, why we should creatively reach out, and some practical steps each of us can take.

Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) is a vital part of the wrap-around services that we offer to our clients. In many cases, legal barriers are one of the main concerns that prevent people from reaching their goal of self-sufficiency. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes HILDA BAHENA, Director of CCLA, and EDWARD SOMMER, a CCLA Volunteer Attorney to discuss the many ways that Catholic Charities helps clients navigate the complex legal system to advocate for themselves and their families in legal issues.

Our Lady of the Mount Church in Cicero is now home to relics of three Mexican martyrs killed during the Cristero War in the late 1920s, Sts. Turibio Romo, José Luis Sánchez del Río and José María Robles. The relics will be permanently installed in a new altar at the completion of ongoing renovations.

Hosts: Melissa Link and Roni Facen. Segment I: Fenwick High School Loves Coach Dave Power. Guests: Dave Power, Scott Thies. Segment II: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy's Students Love for Science. Guests: Shane Staszcuk, Courtney Pileggi

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 6, 17. 20-26 del domingo, 13 de febrero de 2022. Viernes, 11 de febrero de 2022

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish recently celebrated the Lunar New Year. Guests: Sharon Wong; Lily May; Thomas Howard. Segment II: The Most Blessed Trinity Parish Food Pantry in Waukegan was recently able to purchase a new van! Guests: Fr. Timothy O'Malley; Marvin Sabido

Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD has made a tremendous impact as President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA since she was named to this position in 2015. Regina Dominican High School, a college preparatory school for young women in Wilmette is honoring Sister Donna at the school’s Black & White Gala on March 5th. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Elizabeth Schuster, President of Regina Dominican and Joan Kitchie, Regina’s Vice-President of Institutional Advancement to discuss this special event that will underscore our valued partnerships with Catholic Charities USA and Regina Dominican High School.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Last week, St. Ferdinands brought back the successful sale of "Cuddle Buddies Slap Bracelets" to raise funds to buy clothinbg and other items for two families at nearby school/parish St. Bartholomew who were recently displaced from a fire. Guests: Erin Boyle Folino, Corrie Rettelle, St. Ferdinand Catholic School Student Council Officers Cecylia, Deren and Zophia. Segment II: The months-long Centennial Celebration of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary continues into 2022. Guests: Fr. John Kartje; Peggy Pandaleon

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 5, 1 – 11 del domingo, 6 de febrero de 2022. Viernes, 4 de febrero de 2022