In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, cohosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson talk about Mary and the Liturgy. Throughout the year there are a number of days on which the Liturgy of the Church commemorates some aspect of the Blessed Virgin Mary – events in her life (e.g., the Annunciation on March 25), or some aspect of Marian Theology (e.g., Mary, Mother of God on January 1) or an apparition of Mary (e.g., Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11). They discuss the liturgical celebration of Mary, a tradition which the Church has held from the earlies years of Christianity.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdiarz. Segment I: The Catholic and Greek Orthodox communities of greater Chicagoland join together for an ecumenical service to give thanks for God's gift of Creation. Guests: Fr. Nick Kostyk; Fr. Panagiotis Boznos; Rev. Dr. Perry Hamalis. Segment II: Dr. Edward Gordon talks about the Search for Historical Jesus.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan visits with Dr. MaryClare Birmingham, Executive Director of the Kolbe House jail ministry. Beth White and Jen Delvaux get an inside look at campus ministry from Amanda Thompson of DePaul University. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi co-host a program that features a group called Non-Violence Works. Father Greg and Mark also visit with Barbara Pitts and Elin Schriver of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Stewardship Office.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: A group on Chicago's southwest side is organizing health-resource fairs. Guests: Phil Bradley; Elfreide Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: Guests from the Archdiocese Stewardship and Development Office talk about "Planned Giving". Guests: Barbara Pitts; Elin Schriver.

Our first episode of “On the Way” focuses on back to school! With summer winding down and coming to an end, many Catholic schools have started classes already. With each new school year, there is an opportunity to evangelize. Melissa Link, OCS Director of Catholic Mission and Culture, joins the program to discuss her important role within the Archdiocese and the greater community. Amanda Thompson, the Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at DePaul University, also joins us to discuss how Catholic universities can bridge the gap between young adults going to and returning from college.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Dr. MaryClare Birmingham, executive director of the Kolbe House jail ministry, talks about the crucial importance of the first 72 hours after an inmate's release. Segment II: Sr. JoAnn Persch, a Sister of Mercy, talks to Bob about her recent arrest in D.C. during the Catholic Day of Action for Immigrant Children. Segment III: Natalie Jackson, research director for Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) discusses the organization's report released last week on American opinions regarding abortion and contraception.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz get great news from Mary Dempsey, the President of DePaul College Prep High School. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie talk with Martina and Dale about their journey to marriage and the blessings and challenges of married life. Megan Mio of the Mission Office talks about ministering to the needy with two priests… one originally from Poland, the other from South Sudan.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 12, 49-53 del domingo, 18 de agosto de 2019. Viernes, 16 de agosto de 2019.

Megan talks with Fr. Maciej Zielinski, a Comboni priest originally from Poland but who is currently on mission among the Pokot People of Kenya, and Fr. Kuol Dut, a diocesan priest who is originally from South Sudan, came to the U.S. as a refugee and has since returned to South Sudan as a priest of the Diocese of Wau. Each guest shares about his love for mission and God’s people in each context.

Today's show reunited Fr. Britto and Sandy with Dale and Martina Schieman, whom they met while attending the University together. Time has proven that their love that began to bloom as young college students has flourished into a mature and holy union. Narrating their story, they emphasized how they have viewed their marriage as a vocation from God.

Throughout our conversations around Renew My Church we are constantly speaking about accompaniment and ways in which we are approaching it. One way in which we are approaching accompaniment differently is through a process we are piloting in a handful of Catholic schools that is specifically for seventh graders. We are building in components to help parents, teachers, principals and students feel listened to as part of our process. This month's guest is Clarissa Aljentera and the host is Juan Pablo Padilla, both from the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: DePaul College Prep Announces a New Campus. Guest: Mary Dempsey. Segment II: New Principal at St. Emily School (Mt. Prospect).

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant Mark Teresi interview two Archdiocesan priests who are both excellent authors. First, Fr. Clete Kiley, Director of Immigration Policy for UniteHere International Union, talks about his new book, Chicago Neighbors: A Year in Short Stories. Next, Fr. Louis Cameli, the Cardinal’s Delegate for Christian Formation and Mission, discusses Mary's Assumption based on his book, Mary's Journey. Ryan Lents, the Director of the Human Dignity and Solidarity Office, talks with Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention Initiatives for the Archdiocese, about the most recent outbreak of shootings in El Paso, Dayton, and right here in Chicago. Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi visit with people who are part of the TEAM-W ministry… That Every Ability May Worship.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 12, 32-48 del domingo, 11 de agosto de 2019. Viernes, 9 de agosto de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: A renewed effort is underway to offer a welcoming environment at all our churches for people with disabilities. The ministry, Inclusion in Worship, has been renamed TEAM-W: That Every Ability May Worship. Guests: Joanne Meyer; Sister Kathleen Smith; Fr. David Jones. Segment II: The Academy of St. Benedict the African, located in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood, is hosting its fourth annual end-of-summer barbecue to thank Chicago's first responders for keeping students and staff safe. Guest: Jennifer Farrand.

On today’s show, Ryan speaks with Phil Andrew, archdiocesan Director of Violence Prevention Initiatives, about the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Dayton, and Chicago, and how to respond. We also hear from Corinne Woodruff, a graduate of the University of Dayton who is participating in the Amate House program this year. For the second half of the show, Ryan speaks to Professor Joseph McCartin, Director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, and Meghan Cohorst, an organizer with UNITEHERE, about an ongoing labor dispute involving airline food service workers.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Clete Kiley, Director of Immigration Policy for UniteHere International Union, talks about his new book, Chicago Neighbors: A Year in Short Styories. Segment II: Fr. Lou Cameli discusses Mary's Assumption based on his book, Mary's Journey?

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his Planning and Development Assistant, Mark Teresi, interview Cliff Barber of the Renew My Church team. Also joining Fr. Greg and Mark is Fr. Tirso Villaverde who promotes the annual Asian Community Mass. And Fr. Greg and Mark visit with local playwright and actor Vicki Quade who’s best known for her plays that focus on Catholic nuns. Sr. Lovina Pammit talks with Fr. Adam McDonald about his discernment to the priesthood. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic interview Deacon Keith Strohm about evangelization.

Today’s guest, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, is a member of the Society of Divine Word, aka Divine Word Missionaries, who is celebrating his 25th jubilee anniversary of first profession of vows as a consecrated religious. Fr. Adam recounts the story of his vocation as a religious priest – those who inspired him, mentored and served as companions on the journey. Listeners will learn tips for discerners, humorous experiences and poignant moments in his life of service. Find out one of the unique things about him that makes him popular with Filipinos! As a CAVA member, Fr. Adam manages its social media postings. He also serves as a Board member of NRVC (National Religious Vocation Conference). Contact information: 847-644-8320 | www.svdvocations.org

Co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic interview Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Keith Strohm to hear of his passion for sharing the Good News and seeking to have this News permeate hearts and lead to freedom in Jesus Christ. Through his retreat ministry, his preaching, his writing, all under the umbrella of Deacon Keith’s M3 Ministries (www.m3catholic.com) Deacon Keith has been privileged to reach Catholics across the United States, as well as internationally. Deacon Keith is also assigned to Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Niles, Illinois.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Cliff Barber, Chief Strategy Officer with Strategic Planning and Implementation talks about the lastest from the Renew My Church team. Segment II: Vicki Quade joins the program with some Summertime movie reviews and her new upcoming Halloween bingo show called Holy Ghost Bingo: God, Goblins and Games. Semgment III: Fr. Tirso Villaverde promotes the annual Asian Mass next Sunday at St. Margaret Mary Church.

Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media and Mark Teresi of Holy Name Cathedral interview one of our prolific local authors, Fr. Dominic Grassi. Radio hosts Graz and Mark also talk with two people from the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission about what has become a tremendous annual outreach to young Catholics… Holy Fire. Office of Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston of Liturgy Training Publications discuss the renewal of the liturgical life of the Church. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi tackle the subject of Chicago’s continuing violence with the Director of Violence Prevention for the Archdiocese, Phil Andrew, and the Executive Director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Fr. David Kelly.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 11, 1-13 del domingo, 28 de julio de 2019. Viernes, 26 de julio de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Phil Andrew, the Director of Violence Prevention for the Archdiocese of Chicago and Fr. David Kelly talk for the full hour about anti-violence initiatives in Chicago.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the very first document of the Second Vatican Council, in which the Church first called for the renewal of the Liturgical Life of the Church, notes in the Liturgy, Christ is present in 4 main ways. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Hosts Timothy Johnston (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss those four ways that Christ is present: in the Liturgical Assembly, in the Word of God, in the Minister and especially in the Eucharist and Sacraments.

Hosts: Graziano Marcheschi and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Dominic Grassi, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, is the winner of the 2019 Catholic Publisher Association Novel of the Year for his book, "Death In Chicago: Winter." Segment II: The 4th Annual Holly Fire will be held in Chicago this October. Two of the organizers talk about Holy Fire and why it has been such a successful outreach to young people. Guests: Krystle Frey; Chelsea Piper.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan interviews Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, about the massive expansion of gaming that is coming to Illinois. Deacon John Cook and three of his fellow Deacons discuss the annual Sunrise Mass on Chicago’s lakefront. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with Misericordia’s Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connolly, who has been an inspiring advocate for Misericordia residents and their families for 50 years. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie reflect on what they learned from newlyweds Bart and Jackie Bartosz about blending two independent lives into one. And Megan Mio talks with a missionary priest whose ministry stretches from Kenya to Chicago.

Reflecting on our interview with Bart and Jackie Bartosz, we were reminded that the early years of marriage are a period of adjustment. Rather than being a source of division, little annoyances can become occasions to deny oneself out of love for the other. More substantial challenges, such as the cultural differences between Bart and Jackie, can be overcome when there is honest and open communication. Such differences can even enhance the relationship when approached with open minds. When both people can learn to laugh together, life can become more joyful.

Megan sits down with Fr. George Omwando, Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena - St. Lucy Parish in Oak Park, originally born in Kenya and the founder of Time, Talent and Treasure International Foundation, a missionary organization that supports the educational, health, spiritual and basic human needs of the residents of Bogesumwa Village in Kisii County, Kenya. He and Megan discuss the meaning behind "time, talent and treasure" and what these can mean for mission.

This month on Mission of Love, co-hosts Jenn Delvaux and José Coronel, explore different parish led summer events happening throughout the archdiocese. Michael Silhavy, a parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Riverside, joins the team in the first half hour to discuss St. Mary’s Brass on the Grass summer music festival and how music can be a great tool for evangelization. For the last half hour, Jenn and José chat with Ceyclia Jablonska about the upcoming Polish Marian Pilgrimage, a historic mission that begins in Chicago and ends in Merrillville, Indiana. For more information on Brass in the Grass visit St. Mary’s website at https://www.stmaryriverside.org/Page/1. To learn more about the Polish Pilgrimage and/or to register, please visit their website http://polonijnapielgrzymka.com/english/

Like Catholic Charities, Misericordia Heart Of Mercy has a long history of serving vulnerable children and adults. Misericordia’s Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connolly, RSM has been an inspiring advocate for Misericordia residents and their families for 50 years. Her leadership has inspired tremendous growth at Misericordia, and it is based on the simple premise that every person has a right to a good life. Sister Rosemary joins Monsignor Boland to discuss how charity shapes Misericordia and Catholic Charities each day.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, joins Bob to talk about the effects expected from the massive expansion of gaming that is coming to Illinois. Segment II: Dr. Paul Berkowitz and Dennis Ryan talk with Bob about Holy Cross's grand opening of a 24-hour Crisis Stabilization Unit. Segment III: Sr. Donna Markham, OP, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA discusses the agency's humanitarian aid to sites near the border to deal with the larger-than-usual influx of migrants.

Deacons Leroy Gill, James Norman, and Roscoe Dixon shared the beginnings on the Sunrise Prayer Service scheduled for August 2019. Each of them shared their memorable moments and also the difficult challenges trying to curb violence among our youth.

Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Tom Bednar, President of Guerin College Preparatory High School. Deacon John Cook visits with Bre Bullock, Tara Harris and Shawn Logan. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and Sr. Catherine Ryan, Executive Director of Maryville Academy, discuss a partnership at the Fr. Augustus Tolton Peace Center in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. On the Lifelong Journey program, Clarissa Aljentera and Kenneth Velasquez talk about new learning opportunities in the local church. Mary Amore of Mayslake Ministries, a spirituality center in Chicago’s west suburbs, visits with Catholic Chicago hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Greg and Mark also visit with Fr. Eric Cruz, Director of Services for Catholic Charities in Bronx, New York.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mary Amore of Mayslake Ministries discusses three programs her ministry is offering. Those programs are Spiritual Mothers Journeying Together in Faith, In Search of the Beloved, and the Formation and Professional Certification program. Segment II: Pastoral Migratoria is a parish-based immigrant-led ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago that began in 2008. Guest: Fr. Eric Cruz.

We are building opportunities for individuals to learn about our Catholic faith at a speed and time that is more accessible for their lifestyles. Our content is put together by our Certification and Formation team after carefully listening to individuals needs and created to answer their questions. Senior Coordinator Kenneth Velasquez comes on Lifelong Journey to talk about new learning opportunities.

Bre Bullock, the gifted entrepreneur behind B'unek design among other talents, shared her faith, drive, and passion amidst a busy work schedule and pursuits of establishing T. G. B. (Thankful, Grateful, and Blessed) and Angel's in Motion. She was supported by her close partnership/family supporters Tara Harris and Shawn Logan.

In May, 2018, Cardinal Blase Cupich blessed and dedicated Catholic Charities new Father Augustus Tolton Peace Center in the Austin community on the west side of Chicago. Adjacent to the center is a Peace Garden which serves as a gathering place, a “peace hub” of violence prevention programs in the neighborhood. Maryville Academy and St. Martin de Porres parish have collaborated with Catholic Charities on this endeavor and the results have been positive. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss updates on this important initiative is Sr. Catherine Ryan, O.S.F., Executive Director of Maryville.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Guerin Pre's Academy Program. Guest: Tom Bednar. Segment II: St. Benedict (Blue Island) New Principal. Guest: Dr. Emily Hanlon.

Sister Michele Vincent Fisher, CSFN, a Sister of Holy Family of Nazareth, talks about her community’s new initiative of opening a discernment house in Richardson, Texas near Dallas, where Affiliates (women in discernment with her community) will experience community life with the Sisters, and where those who are seeking their path are given an opportunity to explore God’s call in their life. Sr. Lovina and Sr. Michele also discuss other means to discern a vocation call, such as through service and mission outreach, “Come and See” discernment weekends, and CAVA’s monthly online discernment for men and women. To contact Sr. Michele about discernment opportunities, call 847-298-6760. U.S website: www.nazarethcsfn.org; international website: www.nazarethfamily.org. To know more about CAVA’s discernment programs, visit www.vocationscava.org or call 312-534-5240.

Hear Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon John Lorbach explain his heart-warming ministry of accompanying husbands who are themselves accompanying a wife who is experiencing profound memory deficit. Deacon John is interviewed by Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic of the Archdiocese’s Office of the Diaconate. Deacon John tells how he gathers men from a variety of faiths, stations in life and ages, who all share the common experience of seeing their marriages significantly change as their wives go down the road of “The Long Goodbye.” Both husband and wife suffer in this journey, as both face the reality that many of their dreams for the days ahead are going to be different because of the wife’s memory loss—whether it be from Alzheimer’s, vascular deficits or otherwise. Deacon John provides a monthly, informal forum for the men to come together and know that they are not the only ones facing such difficulties. They share both the ups and the downs of the process. For more information, you can reach Deacon John at his parish office at St. Raymond Penafort Parish in Mount Prospect. The number is 847-253-8600.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been committed to providing comprehensive veteran services. Last year, Catholic Charities served 9,350 veterans, with two residences that are entirely devoted to the needs of veterans. In addition to housing, Catholic Charities offers case management, counseling, family support services and job training. Mitch Siegel, Director of Catholic Charities Veterans Employment Program joins Monsignor Boland to discuss the challenges veterans can face while building their careers.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Today is the official first day of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette. The new parish is the result of uniting St. Joseph Parish and St. Francis Xavier Parish as part of the Renew My Church process. There was a very well attended outdoor unity Mass and picnic yesterday at Vattmann Park in Wilmette to celebrate the new parish. Guests: Suzy McNamara; Sheli Sullivan; George Pearce; Herb Marros; Megan Hughes

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Loyola University Chicago Chief Financial Officer Wayne Magdziarz interview Fr. Ramil Fajardo of the Metropolitan Tribunal. Fr. Greg and Wayne also get a Renew My Church update from Fr. Peter Wojcik of the Archdiocese Department of Parish Vitality and Mission and Chief Program Management Officer Marco Oropeza. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with his Manager of On-Line Content and Social Media, Michael Bare. Office of Divine Worship Director Todd Williamson and Timothy Johnston of Liturgy Training Publications talk about Ordinary Time. Wayne Magdziarz visits with former Chicago television news reporter Peter Nolan. And Wayne’s next guest, Author/Professor/Historian Edward Gordon, talks about the rise of hate in America and around the world.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 9, 51-62 del domingo, 30 de junio de 2019. Viernes, 28 de junio de 2019.

Host: Wayne Magdziarz. Segment I: Peter Nolan reflects on his years as a television news reporter, specifically stories that are in his new book, "News Stories: A Memoir." Segment II: Edward E. Gordon has a conversation with Wayne about the rise of hate in America and around the world.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the theology and the spirituality that is at the heart of Ordinary Time. They discuss the season as one that directs us to and helps focus us on the role of Discipleship into which we, as Catholics, have been baptized. In addition, they discuss the “Theological Feasts” of our liturgical calendar. That is, the feasts that don’t celebrate a Saint, but rather that celebrates a theological tenant of our faith (e.g, Trinity Sunday, Corpus Christi, Christ the King, etc.).

In furthering the mission of Catholic Charities, multi-dimensional efforts are underway to reach more clients, volunteers and benefactors through social media. The online conversations may vary, but the message of hope that is inherent in every Catholic Charities program always stays the same. How does Catholic Charities plan to further expand its online presence? Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss this exciting time in online content and social media is Michael Bare.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Wayne Magdziarz. Segment I: Fr. Ramil Fajardo of the Metropolitan Tribunal joins us to talk about the various responsibilities of the Tribunal including the annulment process and changes under Pope Francis. Segment II: Fr. Peter Wojcik and Marco Oropeza discuss Renew My Church and the importance of activating missionary disciples in our parishes.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan interviews Pat Winn with Catholic Charities in Rockford about human trafficking and how his organization is fighting it on a county-by-county basis. Deacon John Cook talks to Sean Flynn, coordinator for youth programming at Distinctive Schools. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland visits with longtime volunteer attorneys Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch about the significant impact volunteer attorneys have in the lives of many people. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandy Labouvie interview newlyweds Bart and Jackie Bartosz about making a smooth transition to married life. And Megan Mio visits with Fr. Joseph Mulcrone who heads up the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for the Deaf.