Are you looking for a way to make your Christmas season especially meaningful this year? Look no further than Catholic Charities 74th Annual Celebration of Giving! Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jim Wogan, Barbara Campbell and Diane Kennedy to learn more about the 2021 Celebration of Giving and discuss how this joy-filled tradition unites individuals and families, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers, spreading Christmas cheer throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Host: Melissa Link. Segment I: Greg Richmond, superintendent of Chicago Catholic schools, gives an update on archdiocesan schools. Segment II: Catholic High School Entrance Exam. Guests: Kristy Kane, Mike Madera. Segment III: Prince of Peace School in Lake Villa Earns National Blue Ribbon Award. Guest: Dr. Stephanie Stoneberg.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 12, 38 - 44, del domingo, 7 de noviembre de 2021. Viernes, 5 de noviembre de 2021

Sister Joni Luna, S.P., a Sister of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods, IN, describes her journey during a time when success in life began to feel empty, at which time she felt a shift in her values. She talks about how that sense of restlessness led her to respond to the call to religious life. Sr. Joni recounts her preparation time and the moment of professing perpetual vows, and how these experiences continue to deepen her spiritual life. Currently serving as her community’s Vocations Director, Sr. Joni invites others to explore God’s call in their lives. For more information, contact Sr. Joni at [email protected] www.SistersofProvidence.org. Link to article on Sr. Joni’s final Vows (and Sr. Jessica’s First vows) Sr. Joni's final Vows More about Sr. Joni

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two well-known figures in the Archdiocese of Chicago—Father Larry Sullivan, Director of the Archdiocese Cemetery System, and Todd Williamson, Director of the Archdiocese Office for Divine Worship. The four conversation partners offer ideas about how to honor our dead and pray throughout the month of November. Family-friendly tips on how to revere our past and pray in the present and how to bring children into this process were discussed. Also, our two guests brought to light some of the highlights of what the Archdiocese’s cemetery system has to offer all of us.

Today on Fully Alive, Dawn introduces Blanca Rodriguez, Respect Life Coordinator in the Respect Life Office. They talk about what brought Blanca to share ministry at the Archdiocese during the first half of the show. In the second half of the show, Dawn and Blanca discuss many of the upcoming events that will be presented in 2022 by Respect Life Ministries. In addition, they talk about the upcoming CCHD collection and how the funds will be used to help break the poverty cycle by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities.

In the first installment of this new podcast series, Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews local historian Ellen Skerrett about new research she has uncovered about Jesuit Father Arnold Damen, pastor of Holy Family Church on Roosevelt Road and Ignatius College, and the vital aid he gave to Catholic immigrants who lost everything in the Chicago Fire. Skerrett also talks about anti-Catholicism of the day and how it impacted the narrative of the Great Chicago Fire, including what was believed about the fire's origins and Mrs. O'Leary. Skerrett is an expert on local Catholic history and is co-author or author of several books. She also curated the historic exhibit to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini at the national shrine in Lincoln Park.

In 1947, parents who adopted children from St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Chicago joined together to purchase gifts for children who had not yet been adopted. Today, in the same building, at 721 N. LaSalle Street, Catholic Charities continues this heartwarming tradition of providing gifts to those who would otherwise have nothing to open Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Emily Lewis and Judy Kendzior to discuss how The Celebration of Giving connects, and brings joy to thousands of individuals and families throughout Chicago and its suburbs each year.

Host Joyce Duriga sits down with Ellen Skerrett to talk about Fr. Damen and the impact of the Chicago fire on Catholics.

Host: Mark Teresi. Mother Cabrini's Feast Day begins the Jubilee Year in Honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Canonization of Mother Cabrini. Guests: Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Fr. Dominic Grassi, Fr. Ramil Fajardo

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 12, 28 - 34, del domingo, 31 de octubre de 2021. Viernes, 29 de octubre de 2021

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Sr. Ângela de Fátima Coelho, author of Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima and postulator of the cause of Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto (two of the visionaries of Fatima) joins Fr. Greg via Zoom, all the way from Portugal. Joining Sr. Ângela on the program is Chicago radio legend and founder of the Broken Mary Project, Kevin Matthews.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, cohosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson address these last weeks of Ordinary Time. As the liturgical year winds down, Timothy and Todd talk about the Last Times, the Return of Christ in Glory and in particular, the great Feasts of All Saints, All Souls and Christ, the King of the Universe.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Synod on Synodality: Pope Francis' Call for Renewal. Guests: Fr. Louis Cameli; Monsignor Patrick Pollard. Segment II: Catholic Singer, Songwriter and Recording Artist, Anna Nuzzo.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 10, 46 - 52, del domingo, 24 de octubre de 2021. Viernes, 22 de octubre de 2021

Thanks to technology, we have started to interview couples again. On this show we meet Bob and Patti Nowak who offer us some interesting insights into marriage. They give a unique perspective as their marriage is a fruitful one, blessing many in the community. In our next show we will present the wonderful lessons we learned from their interview.

Megan talks with Fr. Michael Madigan, Society Leader in the USA for the St. Patrick's Missionary Society. The Society, also known as the St. Patrick Fathers, has more than 200 members from a variety of local faith communities who minister in nine countries in Africa, including Zambia and Nigeria, as well as Brazil and Grenada in the Caribbean. Fr. Madigan shares about his missionary experiences and memories in various parts of Africa. Megan also asks Fr. Madigan to share his reflections on the World Mission Sunday celebration, which takes place this Sunday, October 24. #StPatrickFathers #WorldMissionSunday

Beth White and Jenn Delvaux from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship take a deep dive into personal prayer. They talk about why it is important for evangelization - you have to know who you are evangelizing. And they share a list of resources to help you develop or grow your prayer live (visit evangelizechicago.org for the list). The second half of the show features Alessandro DiSanto, one of three founders of a Catholic Meditation app called Hallow available at Hallow.com or your favorite app store. This app was developed here in Chicago to help Catholics explore the richness of our Catholic prayer options.

One of the greatest concerns for low-income residents in Cook and Lake is having a safe, affordable place to call home. Today, Catholic Charities has twenty-three residences that address this, by offering qualifying individuals the opportunity for independent living within caring communities. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Antwaun Smith, Associate Vice-President for Housing Services to discuss the cooperative spirit that exists between staff and tenants to make each residence much more than Affordable Housing.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 10, 35 - 45, del domingo, 17 de octubre de 2021. Viernes, 15 de octubre de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Mary Amore talks about the latest developments at Mayslake Ministries. Segment II: Vicki Quade, creator of Late Nite Catechism, comes on the program to have some fun with our hosts.

Building up and supporting mothers as a culture of life - We learn more about the intentional housing focused around mothers and the programs formed through the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in the neighborhood of Back of the Yards.

Caring adults make all the difference in the lives of adolescents. Catholic Charities understands this, and our Youth Mentorship Programs provide a free opportunity for youth living in Lake and Cook counties to spend time with volunteers who genuinely care about them. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sarah Loffman, Arranda Gardner, and Gloria Uriostegui to discuss how these programs nurture healthy friendships between youth and great role models.

Host: Melissa Link. Segment I: Greg Richmond, superintendent of Chicago Catholic schools, gives an update on archdiocesan schools. Segment II: The Illinois Tax Credit Scholarships Program. Guests: Jose Piñones; Emily Hanlon. Segment III: High School Placement Exam. Guest: Brian Parker

Entrevista con el P. Sergio Rivas, Coordinador del Consejo Hispano Arquidiocesano sobre los Premios Buen Samaritano. Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 10, 17 - 30, del domingo, 10 de octubre de 2021. Viernes, 8 de octubre de 2021

What is “the universal call to holiness” and how does it apply to the clergy and everyday Catholics? Hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic are joined by Deacons James Sponder, chairman of the Diaconate Council, and Deacon Bob Thomas, chairman of the Diaconate’s St. Francis Dinner, who will discuss how we as a people can become holy. One concrete way is supporting the good work of charities, which the Diaconate Council will be doing with its upcoming St. Francis Dinner.

Sr. Constanza Fernández Cano Salgado, F.Sp.S., Coordinator of Weaving Cultures (Entrelezando Culturas) talks about the importance of intercultural competence today. A new way of assessing intercultural background is being developed to help navigate through formation and social situations for formators, pastoral ministers, and all others who are encountering various cultures, age generations, and even convictions and diverse political stances. Visit www.maccsa.org for more information. Sr. Elizabeth Ann Guerrero, MCDP, Executive Director of AHLMA - Asociación de Hermanas Latinas Misioneras en América talks about this Dynamic group, their history and upcoming activities. For more information visit www.ahlma.org or check out www.facebook.com/HermanasLatinasAHLMA

On the first half of today’s show, Dawn and Ray welcome Beth Knobbe, Community Engagement Manager – Catholic Relief Services to discuss CRS projects including how Covid has affected the social needs of people around the world. Greg Schleppenbach, Associate Director of the Pro-life Secretariat at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, joins to discuss proposed legislation that could force taxpayer funded abortion, and then Ray and Dawn talk about Respect Life Month and its theme – St Joseph, Defender of Life. www.crs.org www.respectlife.org www.respectlifechicago.org

As one of the largest human services organizations in the Midwest, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago assists hundreds of immigrants and refugees each year, accompanying them on their journey to becoming as self-sufficient as possible. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Nancy Gavilanes, Director of Catholic Charities Immigration & Naturalization Services to discuss how Catholic Charities helps immigrants and refugees navigate complex legal issues, employment concerns and family adjustments as they establish new lives in Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins our hosts to give an update on where things stand in the Covid-19 pandemic and to continue his discussion on The Age of Faith: The History of the Church in the Middle Ages.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 10, 2 - 16, del domingo, 3 de octubre de 2021. Viernes, 1 de octubre de 2021

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Robert Cook, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor of Mary Mother of God parish, talks about St. Francis of Assisi. Segment II: Fr. David Simonetti, Pastor of Christ Our Light parish, talks about the importance of pets in our families, and of the popular "blessing of pets" events that occur during the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Today our hosts spend the hour talking with 3 current seminarians, Conrad Espino, Josh Jones, and Daniel Garcia, who are in the midst of their "Spirituality Year" of dicernment.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Eugene Giudice, author of Reflections During a Pandemic: Thought While Sheltering in Place, joins us for the first half to reflect on "Laying Sod for the Future". Segment II: Evening of Light: A Special Holy Mass of Prayer, Gratitude, and Remembrance for All First Responders and for All Loved Ones Affected Through Violence at Christ Our Light Catholic Church in Chicago. Guests: Fr. David Simonetti and Officer Eric Davis.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, cohosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) are joined by Danielle Noe, Editor at Liturgy Training Publications (LTP), as they discuss the topic of Liturgical Ministries. During the second half of the show, they specifically address the Guide Books, published by LTP. These manuals are recently revised by LTP and they include such manuals as Guide for Lectors, Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Guide for Cantors.

Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services department has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance over the past year, with the pandemic creating anxiety, fear and uncertainty worldwide. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Hector Rivera, Senior Department of the Youth Counseling Department, and Michel Lopez-Tinoco, Clinical Manager, Youth & Family Therapeutic Services Program, who will share an update on their programs that are trying to help individuals and families establish positive mental health strategies for life.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Host Bob Gilligan talks to Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, about Texas’ law to protect the unborn. Segment II: Bob speaks with Janet Biljeskovic, Director of Refugee Resettlement Program, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockford, about Catholic Charities’ refugee resettlement program. Segment III: Bob finishes up the program with Marilou Gervacio, Director of Social Services/Social Justice, Catholic Conference of Illinois. They discuss Illinois’ new law on clean energy.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 9, 30-37, del domingo, 19 de septiembre de 2021. Viernes, 17 de septiembre de 2021

Several months ago we interviewed Joe and Elisabeth McCormick who come from very different backgrounds. Their story reminds us that God can intertwine our lives even though we come from distant lands or differing cultures. In His eyes these differences do not matter. If Faith unites us, all other differences melt away. Just like this couple, we can help each other grow in our faith.

Megan interviews Fr. Alphonse Twizerimana, a priest of the Diocese of Ruhengeri, Rwanda who currently lives at St. Josephat Parish in Chicago while he studies for a PhD in educational leadership at DePaul University. He is the former director of a boarding school in Rwanda and shares about his experience as a missionary and educator prior to his arrival. Megan asks about how he understands the relationship between education and mission. He is both a teacher and a student while living here in Chicago as well.

Today Jennifer Delvaux hosts a discussion on Evangelization, Engagement, and Parish renewal. She is joined by Michelle Farrell, Evangelization Lead at Immaculate Conception – St. Joseph, and Mike Bentley, Evangelization Lead at St. Catherine of Alexandria. The three discuss the importance of engaging individuals as leaders led by the Holy Spirit as part of evangelization and parish renewal. Michelle and Mike share how they have used soft entry points and invitations to lift up and engage new leaders.

While all of Catholic Charities programs and services are life-affirming, the Roseland Adolescent Parenting Program is especially designed to support unborn children, and children up to age 3, along with their mothers. RAPP helps young women grow in their skills as competent, educated mothers, which helps them fulfill their goals of happier, more stable lives. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Shavon Parker, RAPP Program Director, and Jessica Allen Porter, RAPP Program Supervisor to discuss how RAPP is helping to build strong communities, one family at a time.

Hosts: Melissa Link and Roni Facen. Segment I: Greg Richmond, superintendent of Chicago Catholic schools, talks about school enrollment and the beginning of the school year. Segment II: Auxiliary Bishop Mark Bartosic and Fr. Sergio Mena recently blessed a mural painted by student artists at Our Lady of Charity School. Over the summer, six middle school students and the National Museum of Mexican Art artist M. Zayuri Pacheco painted the mural inside one of the school's hallways of holy people of God. Guest: Frank Zarate. Segment III: Hispanic Heritage Month Announcement -- Members of a cultural celebration committee will announce the theme and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from mid-September thru mid-October, talk about the cultural significance of this celebration and what some schools are doing in observance. Guests: Erika Gallardo, Maria (Cooky) Perez-Eraci.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: For the past 16 years, Fr. Medard Laz, founding pastor of Holy Family Parish in Inverness, has organized an annual fundraiser to help build homes, schools and hospital additions in Haiti. The fundraisers, in partnership with the nonprofit FOOD FOR THE POOR, took place in person throughout the Northwest suburbs until the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's fundraiser will take place virtually on September 16 and will feature a conversation with Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, the former Cub and Hall of Famer. Segment II: Todd Williamson, the director of the Office for Divine Worship, joins us to talk about a couple of upcoming Archdiocesan celebrations.

Every summer parishoners at St. Agnes of Bohemia set up Mass for their neighbors on their blocks in Little Village. The opportunity is a time of witness, prayer and community outreach. We speak with pastor Fr. Don Nevins who shares with us the experience and transformative nature of doing what Jesus asks us to do in going out to be witness.

All are cordially invited to join Team Catholic Charities in the 2021 AIDS Walk/Run on October 2nd. It is easier than ever to participate this year. HIV/AIDS continue to affect the lives of 45,000 people in Illinois, and 90% of the proceeds raised from our team participation will go directly towards Catholic Charities programs and services that support people struggling with these debilitating conditions. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Ashley Styx, Program Director for Community Casework in Lake County to preview this special event.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Marcos 7, 31-37, del domingo, 5 de septiembre de 2021. Viernes, 3 de septiembre de 2021

Today’s guest is Sister Stephanie Baliga, F.E. from the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago (FranciscansOfTheEucharistOfChicago.com) who talks about how she found this community, her community’s mission, charism, ministries, and updates on their construction/development project. Sr. Stephanie tells the story about how she became the first to establish a world record running on the treadmill and how to support Team OLA (Mission of Our Lady of the Angels) with over 100 runners in the Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2021 (in person!) to raise funds for various ministries and the construction project that serve the community and especially those in need. Will Sr. Lovina take up the challenge and join Team OLA for the 2022 marathon? Tune in on the first Thursdays of the month to find out!

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two deacons who were ordained for the Archdiocese in September of 2020. The two new deacons were Deacon Ed Schipp, assigned to Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish, and Deacon Chris Parker, assigned to St. Barnabas Parish. The conversation seeks to understand what the “fresh eyes” of a new deacon might see, whether they were surprised with anything, and whether they felt they were able to share the Good News. These are two men who are on fire with the Lord. It is hoped that their ministry might inspire every Christian, ordained or not.

Today Dawn and Ray welcome Todd Scribner from the USCCB’s department of Migration and Refugee Service to discuss the upcoming National Migration Week. On the second half of the show, MaryClare Birmingham from Kolbe house shares about jail ministry at the Archdiocese. And finally, Catherine Baranko from the Tabor Life Institute discusses the upcoming Culture of Life Benefit Concert at the Atheneum Theater on October 9th.