Homelessness in Chicago is the topic as Deacon John Cook talks with Abraham Morris of DePaul USA. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland talks about the importance of having a strong and vibrant Board of Advisors with Board Member Emile Johnson and his son, Andrew. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media discuss Muslim-Catholic relations with Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek of the Archdiocese Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and Abdullah Mitchell, Executive Director of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. And Fr. Greg and Graz visit with Dawn Fitzpatrick, the Respect Life Coordinator in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity, about abortion legislation being considered here in Illinois.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: The state of Muslim-Catholic relations in Chicago. Guests: Dan Olsen; Susan Pudelek; Abdullah Mitchell. Segment II: Abortion legislation in the state of Illinois. Guest: Dawn Fitzpatrick.

Abraham Morris, Director of the Dax Program for Depaul U.S.A., talked to us about the student homelessness program and the offerings for Depaul students to attend school while providing them with housing. Next week they will be having their annual fundraiser to help support the needs of the Chicago area homeless community that affects students nationally with a population of approximately 58,000 students.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been blessed to include among its benefactors numerous members of one family. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of family members across several generations who have become involved in furthering the mission of Catholic Charities. In recognition of this exciting development, a new initiative will be started this year at the Monsignor Michael Boland Golf Invitational. This annual event will take place Wednesday, July 24th at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont. Monsignor Boland looks forward to discussing this trend with Catholic Charities Board of Advisors member Emile Johnson and his son Andrew.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 14, 23-29 del domingo, 26 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 24 de mayo de 2019.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Roman Szabelski, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries, talks about Field Masses across the Archdiocese on Memorial Day. Segment II: David Dempsey, Program Director of the St. Leo Residence for Veterans, discusses the many services available for veterans through Catholic Charities.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the full season of Easter. Exploring the theology of the season, looking at it's structure, and breaking open the great Feasts of Ascension and Pentecost, they reflect on the power and profundity the 50 Day Feast!

Demetra Willis spoke with us and shared her investment opportunities for listeners and a few wise words for listeners looking an opportunity to grow financially and spiritually

Legendary photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Seventeen years ago, a group of dedicated volunteers became a Photo Team, embracing Adams’ thought and inviting guests of the Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Supper to learn how to become photographers in the enjoyable, transformative program called After Supper Visions. After Supper Visions is one of 158 programs Catholic Charities operates in 174 locations across Cook and Lake Counties. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss the upcoming 17th Annual After Supper Visions Photo Exhibition are Noreen Russo and Linda Roxe, members of the current Photo Team.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Greg Schleppenbach, associate director of pro-life activities at the USCCB, talks to Bob about conscience protections afforded by new rules recently issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Segment II: Stanley Carlson-Thies, senior director of the Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance, joins Bob to discuss the religious freedom concerns of the Equality Act which amends the federal Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Segment III: Andy Duran, executive director of the Lake Forest-based LEAD, talks to Bob about the progress of marijuana legalization at the state capitol. LEAD is a substance abuse prevention organization that opposes the legalization of marijuan

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz talk about a big victory for St. John Brebeuf students at the Illinois State Science Fair. Deacon John Cook visits with Sister Jamie Phelps who shares practical advice to improve relationships in both the family and church. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss programs coordinated through their regional office on Chicago’s southwest side. Jennifer Delvaux of the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship leads a discussion on what it means to be a missionary disciple. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie reflect on a recent interview they did with a couple who had triplets. And Megan Mio, Mission Education and Appeals Coordinator, talks to Franciscan Sister Nancy Schramm about her three decades of missionary work in Brazil.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 13, 31-33ª; 34-35 del domingo, 19 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 17 de mayo de 2019.

Continuing our discussion around the insights garnered from our interview with Bob and Mary Ploen, we offer several important lessons for our listeners. First, we emphasize the importance of faith in marriage and relationships. Second, we discuss the necessity of prayer and meditation not only for the nurturing of our faith but also for the strengthening of our bonds. Finally, we encourage all of us to recognize the miracles in our lives just as Mary and Bob did in theirs.

Megan talks with Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Nancy Schramm. Sr. Nancy is the Director of Mission Formation for the Diocese of Joliet. She has 32 years of experience of being on mission in the State of Para, which is in the Amazon region of Brazil. They also discuss Sr. Nancy's research into the life of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN who was martyred in 2005 for her ministry with rural workers and peasants in the Amazon Region of Brazil.

On this month’s episode, co-hosts Jenn Delvaux and José Coronel from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship (OEMD), reflect on the success and feedback from those who participated in OEMD’s previous Evangelization Days. Irene Saldaña, a parishioner of St. Mary of Czestochowa, joined the show to talk about her experience at these Evangelization Days. Irene relates what she learned at these events with what she is doing through a catechetical program, S.I.N.E. (Sistema Integral para la Nueva Evangelization), in her parish. Jenn and José also discuss what’s to come in OEMD’s upcoming Vitality Days, which are complimentary workshops that focus on welcoming and hospitality in the parish context. Adam Janke, the Program Director for Saint Paul Street Evangelization, joins the program to discuss hospitality and why it’s important for the future of the Church. For more information about our Vitality Days, please visit our website at, https://pvm.archchicago.org/evangelization/events. To learn more about Saint Paul Street Evangelization, visit their website at, https://streetevangelization.com/

Today we revisit our guest from two weeks ago. Sister Jamie Phelps shared with us some symptoms that have led to fractured families and communities and she offers practical advice to improve our relationships in both the family and the church.

Catholic Charities regional offices function as local hubs where community residents can access our services. Regional Advisory Boards made up of regional residents and professionals, guide and support the operations of the offices in partnership with parishes and schools who volunteer and donate to assist anyone in need on their path to self-sufficiency. Almost five years ago, Catholic Charities recognized Chicago’s southwest side as an area of high need for families. The City-Southwest office began with roots in the communities of Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Greater Lawn, Marquette Park, Little Village and Pilsen. Marilu Gonzalez, City Southwest Regional Director and Mireya Vera, City Southwest Regional Advisory Board member joint Monsignor Boland to share more about the services and many programs coordinated through our City Southwest Regional Office.

Hosts: Dr. Jim Rigg and Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: St. John Brebeuf students win at Illinois State Science Fair. Guests: Dr. Mary Maloney; Michael Giordano; Olivia K.; Reid R. Segment II: Holy Trinity High School's B-STEM Guests: Angela Micelli; Aaron Trinidad

Catholic Chicago host Graziano Marcheschi interviews the Special Events Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Vocation Office, Shawn Lucas. Graz also talks with Fr. Connor Danstrom, the very talented Director and Chaplain of the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Deacon John Cook visits with Dr. Andrew Prevot, associate professor of Theology at Boston College in Massachusetts. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss the importance of volunteers, in this case, high school volunteers thanks to a partnership with Loyola Academy. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi talk with Fr. Jim Presta, the Pastor of St. Emily Parish in Mount Prospect, about the Month of Mary.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 10, 27-30 del domingo, 12 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 10 de mayo de 2019.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Fr. James Presta of St. Emily Parish in Mount Prospect, discusses May as the Month of Mary. Segment II: Chicago Shares is a unique program to assist the homeless and other people in need to obtain food and other necessities. Guests: Ron Polaniecki; Elizabeth Kohlbeck.

Taking the time to participate in enrichment days for lay volunteers is an integral part of formation. In our busiest of days we learn to trust in the Spirit to get us through. Join us in conversation with guests Victor Vallejo and Maryvel Torres to explore what formation days can do to boost one's spirit and one's vocation especially in support of accompanying engaged couples toward marriage. Vallejo and Torres work on the family ministry team in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Dr. Andrew Prevot, associate professor of Theology at Boston College in Massachusetts, was our guest for this program. He is conducting a lecture at the University Of Chicago on Thursday, May 9th 2019 at the Common Room in Swift Hall. Dr. Prevot is speaking on The Hope of Exodus in Black and Womanist Theology. He also shared with us his Catholic upbringing, as well as hopes and resources that expand the thought and current theories for blacks to be liberated and freed.

Volunteers offer their compassion and assistance each year and without their help, we wouldn’t be able to do all that we do to help those most in need. An increasingly important group of Catholic Charities volunteers are students from local elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese. From serving as role models to the youngest of children in our child learning centers to interacting with seniors, our high school volunteers learn important life lessons that go beyond the classroom. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about our wonderful partnership with Loyola Academy is Bill Brandstrader, Missions & Father’s Network Moderator at Loyola Academy and Emily O’Donaghue, a student at Loyola Academy.

Host: Graziano Marcheschi. Segment I: Upcoming Vocations Office Events and Activities including Totus Tuus, Sport Camps, and Quo Vadis Camp. Guest: Shawn Lucas. Segment II: The St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) is hosting a fundraiser called the Holy Happy Hour at the Lagunitas Brewing Company on Monday, May 20. Guest: Fr. Connor Danstrom.

Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi of Shalom Media are joined by a group of brothers for an on-air celebration of Religious Brothers Day. Deacon John Cook talks with Sister Jamie Phelps about everything from the aging process to the significance of bible study. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss services offered at the Catholic Charities Senior Centers and the upcoming Senior Unity Mass. Dawn Fitzpatrick and Ryan Lents visit with Mark Curran, the former sheriff of Lake County, about the Immigration Ministry’s upcoming benefit called Keep Hope Alive. Sister Lovina Francis Pammit and Sister Mary Kay Brooks have a very informative conversation about the plight of immigrants. And Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic introduce us to Deacon Michael Fekete who is very active with Catholic Relief Services.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 21, 1-19 del domingo, 5 de mayo de 2019. Viernes, 3 de mayo de 2019.

Sr. Lovina asks Brother Michael Segvich, an Edmund Rice Christian Brother, about Religious Brothers Day. Br. Mike describes how despite being “under the radar,” religious brothers have impacted other people’s lives in powerful ways. Sister Mary Kay Brooks, SSND, discusses her recent mission trip at the Mexican border with five young women from Baltimore Notre Dame Prep and the implications of such an experience.

Chicago Deacon Michael Fekete joins co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic to talk about CRS--Catholic Relief Services. Deacon Fekete speaks of his recent trip to Uganda to see the life-saving and faith-witnessing work of CRS. Also explored in this program are how we might here help the work of CRS and how CRS is serving people both domestically and in over 100 countries around the world. CRS puts to work our Baptismal gifts. Each baptized person is called to be "priest, prophet and king." CRS helps us all do that.

For this month’s show, Ryan and Dawn from the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity speak with Deacon Tom Lambert, the co-chair of the Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness. They also check in with Mark Curran, the former sheriff of Lake County about Immigration Ministry’s upcoming benefit on May 13, as well as Bob Gilligan from Catholic Conference of Illinois on the status of H.B. 2495/S.B. 1942 and H.B. 2467/S.B. 1594.

Sister Jamie Phelps was our guest today and she shared with us her diagnosis of improved health as well as her humorous side while experiencing the aging process. She shared her thoughts on the significance of bible study for building family and community while asking questions like "Who is God?" "Who is He to you?" and "What does He desire us to do?

In the next 15 years, the number of Illinois seniors will rise by 36 percent. As our population ages, Catholic Charities is blessed and committed to help build a culture that honors and values our oldest members, treating them with love, compassion and dignity. In addition to our wide variety of services and programs, a Catholic Charities event many older adults look forward to each year is the Senior Unity Mass. Now in its 46th year, this special mass and luncheon wil take place on Thursday, June 13th and honors close to 300 seniors from Cook and Lake counties. Rob Boyd, Director of the Josephine Argento Senior Center and Katie Bredemann, Editor of Keenager News join Monsignor Boland to share more about Catholic Charities Senior Centers and the upcoming Senior Unity Mass.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Graziano Marcheschi. May 1 is the annual Religious Brothers Day. Guests: Brother James MacDonald, Brother Gregory Smyth; Brother Michael Segvich.

Deacon John Cook visits with Christopher Mallett who just took over as head football coach, athletic director and director of community relations and outreach at Hope Academy. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss anti-violence programs and services offered by Catholic Charities. Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, and Liturgy Training Publications Editor Timothy Johnston explain the three days at the end of Lent called the Triduum. And Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz and his guests discuss church initiatives to protect our children.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 19-31 del domingo, 28 de abril de 2019. Viernes, 26 de abril de 2019.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and on this program we explore what the Archdiocese of Chicago is doing to protect our children. Guests: Mary Jane Doerr; Deacon Dan Welter; Michael Hoffman; Ali Bestler; Olivia Clark.

It’s Easter Week! Just days ago, the Church has celebrated the most holiest of all our Liturgies – the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson break open these sacred rites and explore the theology and spirituality of them. From the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, through the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion and culminating with the Easter Vigil, Timothy and Todd help the listeners to reflect back on what They’ve experience in their parishes.

Christopher Mallett joined us today and talked about his New Coaching and Community Director position at Hope Academy. He just finished up 9-0 at Whitney Young H.S. and improved their program for his replacement.

Youth violence is a serious problem that can have lasting harmful effects on victims and their family, friends and neighborhoods. Catholic Charities Violence Prevention Programs have intervention services that address mental and emotional health, domestic violence, substance abuse, gang activity, employment and homelessness. In the past two years, Catholic Charities has expanded services in the Austin community with the welcoming of the Peace Corner Youth Center and the opening of the Augustus Tolton Peace Center. Last year, 130 youth found a safe haven at the Peace Corner. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about anti-violence programs and services is Catholic Charities Vice President of Community Development Gina Cleggs and Peace Corner Director Enrique Alonso.

Catholic Conference of Illinois Executive Director Bob Gilligan has a conversation with Kathleen Gallagher of the New York State Catholic Conference about fall-out from that state's passage of extreme abortion legislation. Next, Bob talks with Robert McCoppin, a Chicago Tribune reporter who covered efforts to legalize marijuana. Deacon John Cook visits with Albert Anderson, musician and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests discuss the great ways parishes partner with Catholic Charities. Fr. Britto Berchmans and Sandi Labouvie help listeners build their marriages on the Rock that is Christ. And Megan Mio, Mission Education and Appeals Coordinator, visits with Jorge Rivera about developing a culture of mission.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Juan 20, 1-9 del domingo, 21 de abril de 2019. Viernes, 19 de abril de 2019.

In today's episode, we begin to unpack our interview with Bob and Mary Ploen, specifically focussing on their respect for life demonstrated through their challenging pregnancy with triplets. Our discussion reflects upon the unwavering teachings of the Catholic church on life issues. Keeping in mind our eternal perspective, we provide some suggestions for what we can do as people who are pro-life.

Megan sits down with Mr. Jorge Rivera, new Mission Educator and Promoter with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Jorge has extensive experience of ministry with Hispanic/Latino communities, and especially with young adults. They discuss how Jorge's ministry experience has led him to his current work with Maryknoll. Jorge describes how he has built connections in his ministries and in mission.

This month co-hosts Beth White and Jenn Delvaux, from the Office for Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, examine the ways in which Holy Week is evangelizing for Catholics. For the first half hour of the program, Sandra Mota and David Ramirez, coordinators for Via Crucis Viviente De Sur Chicago (South Chicago Way of the Cross), discuss how this annual Good Friday tradition gives witness to the larger neighborhood of who Jesus is to Christians. Consisting of a live re-enactment of the path Jesus took towards his crucifixion through the streets surrounding the parishes, more than 1,000 people are drawn into the experience. Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship at the Archdiocese of Chicago, also joins us for the last half hour to explain the Triduum, the shortest liturgical season that marks the end of Lent and precedes the Easter season. For more information about South Chicago Way of the Cross visit St. Michael the Archangel- South Shore website here: http://www.saintmichaelchicago.org/en-us/home.aspx

Albert Anderson is a band director, musician, and Sir Knight of Knights of Columbus. He is an accomplished musican who has played around the globe. He is married for 45 yrs and attributes that to his freedom to be who he is as a musician. Albert is currently finishing up a new CD release and developing a podcast on YouTube called "The Seed Group."

We all work together to fulfill the Church’s mission to love and serve those whom Jesus entrusts to our care. Parishes are often the catalyst for bringing new Catholic Charities programs into their communities, articulating neighborhood needs and helping us establish new services. Catholic Charities has seven regional offices in Cook and Lake counties that provide volunteer opportunities for parish groups, help parish congregations learn about our services and needs, and work with us to establish and operate community-based food pantries. Mike Waters, Northwest Regional Director and Sue Geegan, Parish Ambassador for the Northwest Region join Monsignor Boland to share more about the great ways parishes partner and get involved with Catholic Charities.

Host: Bob Gilligan. Segment I: Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference, joins Bob to talk about the fall-out from that state's passage of extreme abortion legislation in January. Segment II: Jenn Briemann, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, talks to Bob about how physician-assisted suicide legislation suddenlyl took off this spring. Segment III: Robert McCoppin, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune who coverd marijuana and it's legalization efforts, joins Bob to talk about how things are going in Illinoiis. Segment IV: Michael O'Rourke, policy advisor with the U.S. Conference of Cathollic Bishops, talks to Bob about federal criminal justice reforms embodied in the First Step Act.

Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg and his guests tell us about the Week of the Young Child. Deacon John Cook interviews Naomi Palacios, Outreach Coordinator for Augustus Tolton Catholic Academy. Catholic Charities President Msgr. Michael Boland and his guests stress the importance of volunteers in providing critical services to people in Cook and Lake counties. Holy Name Cathedral Rector Fr. Greg Sakowicz discusses the importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month with Myra Flores, the Safe Environment coordinator for the Archdiocese, and Michael Hoffman, Chairman of the Hope and Healing Committee. And Fr. Greg talks with Cliff Barber, Chief Strategy Officer for the Renew My Church initiative.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Lucas 23, 1-49 del domingo, 14 de abril de 2019. Viernes, 12 de abril de 2019.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Child Abuse Prevention Month and the upcoming Pinwheel Prayer Service. Guests: Myra Flores; Michael Hoffman. Segment II: Renew My Church update. Guest: Cliff Barber.