Catholic Chicago

Host: Fr. Greg Sakwoicz. Chuck Swirsky and Bill Wennington, the radio voices of the Chicago Bulls, talk about the role of faith in their lives and careers in professional sports.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. "Music Has Legs" is an inspiring book that takes readers on the journey of Juan Manuel Pineda, from the streets of El Salvador to the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) orphanage to the front page of the Chicago Tribune. The book delivers an uplifing story at a time when Good Stories are difficult to find.It highlights what people from Shriners Hospital for Children, UIC Hospital, NPH USA and a host of Chicago families can accomplish when they work together. Guests: Bishop Ron Hicks; Marlene Byrne

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Catholic/Assyrian Dialogue. Guests: Very Rev. Thomas Baima; Rev. Chorbishop George Toma. Segment II: Catholic/Muslim Relations. Guests: Dr. Dan Olsen; Dr. Marcia Hermansen; Dr. Scott Alexander.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The BASE Chicago re-imagines pathways to success for urban youth by combining sports and academic opportunities with a distinctive methodology rooted in excellence belief and love. Guests: Eric Davis, Frank Brim, Rich Schulz. Segment II: Aging, Caregiving and the Third Act. Guest: Joyce Gallagher

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: From New York Times best-selling author Mark K. Shriver comes 10 Hidden Heroes, an exciting seek-and-find book with a message. Featuring everyday heroes at home and in our neighborhoods, this vibrantly illustrated book helps children develop counting skills and learn how they too can be heroes in day-to-day life. Segment II: The Board of Trustees at Saint Patrick High School, Chicago’s oldest all-boys Catholic high school, announced today the appointment of Daniel A. Santucci ’02 as the school’s next president. Santucci, a former National Football League (NFL) player and experienced development director at the University of Notre Dame, becomes the third president in Saint Patrick’s 160-year history after the president/principal model was adopted in 1987.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Resurrection College Prep High School is the largest all girls Catholic school on the North side. Juniors there have a unique upcoming opportunity to mix virtually with their counterparts at the Scuola Secondaria di San Marino. San Marino is a small independent state surrounded by Northern Italy. Guests: Robert Allegrini; Lyn Scolaro; Antonia Barone. Segment II: Nonviolence Works is conducting training of trainers. Guests: Phil Bradley; Larry Campbell

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Mary Amore talks about what has been happening at Mayslake Ministries during the pandemic. Segment II: Fr. John Kartje talks about current events happening at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Host: Mark Teresi. We spend the hour talking with Judge Thomas Donnelly and Michael R. Heinlein about the upcoming Catholic Lawyers Guild Lenten Retreat.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The entire hour of today's program is dedicated to the season of Lent. Guests Todd Williamson and Terry Navarro spend time discussing Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on vaccines. Segment II: Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Sr. Patricia Crowley, O.S.B., and Sr. Belinda Monahan, O.S.B., talk about the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago and upcoming events.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers and a Lenten retreat called "Learn to Live the Joy of the Gospel." Guests: Deacon Kevin McCarthy; Walter Hidalgo. Segment II: Mental Illness Awareness and a monthly virtual program called "Moving Forward in Hope." Guests: Deacon Tom Lambert; Deacon Al Sedivy.

Host: Mark Teresi. The Annual Catholic Appeal begins the weekend of January 30/31, 2021. Our guests this hour discuss the spritual, theological foundation, and history of the Appeal. The beneficiaries of the Appeal and ways to make a gift are also discussed. Guests: Brendan Keating; Fr. Lou Cameli; Barbara Shea Collins; Fr. Wayne Watts; Elizabeth Anastasia

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Nonviolence Works is having a 40 hour training session dedicated to developing techniques for living a nonviolent life. The virtual sessions are free of charge and begin Saturday, January 16 at 10AM and continue for the next ten weeks. Guests: Phil Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: United for Peace and the Center for Nonviolence from the college of Lake County are holding a virtual Martin Luther King Junior Celebration on Sunday January 17th. Guests: Shalini Gupta; Larry Leck; Larry Campbell

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dan Olsen and Rev. Courtney Reid, Director of Operations for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, talk about the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Segment II: Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Cardinal Blase Cupich, Dr. Jim Rigg, Sally Blount and Jim Disch join our hosts to talk about the challenges and events of 2020, and their hopes moving forward into 2021.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Kathy DeNicolo is the author of life afirming stories for the whole family. She's a go to read for realistic second chances. Kathy's new book is called "The Comeback." Segment II: Ms. Joey Miller is a licensed clinical social worker at Wellsprings Health Associates in Chicago. With over 20 years of experience in women's reproductive health and medicine, she provides support and expert guidance to women and their partners through the often complicated, challenging, and sometimes heart-wrenching pursuit of parenthood. Joey has authored a book titled Rebirth: The Journey of Pregnancy After a Loss.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. John Beyenka was a lifelong diocesan priest who became a World War II Chaplain and saw up-close the horrors of war during the Allied invasion of Italy. Fr. Beyenka saved his wartime memorabilia, and they form the basis of this exhibit. Guests: Fr. Michael Meany; Meg Hall. Segment II: Gordon Nary and Eileen Quinn Knight discuss the publication Profiles in Catholicism. They also discuss plans for a new publication on Healing from Clerical Sexual Abuse.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On December 5th, the Catholic Lawyers Guild will be hosting a virtual Advent retreat titled Bringing All We Are Into What We Do: Spiritual Practices in our Work as Lawyers and in our Homes at Christmas. Guests: Jack Shea; Judge Tom Donnelly. Segment II: Dr. Edward Gordon talks about the latest developments in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Pope Francis has recently appointed 13 new cardinals, and one of them is a Chicago native. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., will become the first African American cardinal from the United States. Our guests share some stories of their memories of him. Guests: Elaine Gregory Swenson; Fr. Thomas Baima; Fr. Dominic Grassi. Segment II: The music ministry of Old St. Pat's church. Music Director Mark Scozzafave presents music featuring musicians and singers from Old St. Pat's church.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Non-Violence Works is a non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention in our homes, neighborhoods and wider community. Guests: Elfreide Wedam; Larry Campbell; Phil Bradley. Segment II: Historian and professor Dr. Edward Gordon speaks about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Ed Gordon is a member of the Grant Park Monument Commission. Dr. Gordon talks about recent controversies regarding historic statues in public places and the call to remove some of them. Segment II; The annual Keep Hope Alive benefit is scheduled virtually this Thursday at 6:30pm. It's theme this year is "15 years united for Immigrant Justice." The event supports the Archdiocese of Chicago's Immigration Ministry and it's national Pastoral Migratoria initiative, which has become a role model nationally for immigrant support. Guests: Elena Segura; Rich Daniels.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: With the Chicago Marathon cancelled this year because of COVID-19, Father Michael Bradley ran a marathon of his own on Sunday October 11th through the streets of Edgewater where he lives at St. Gertrude Parish. Parishioners lined up at the church and on their front doorsteps to cheer him on as he ran by. This was the 49th Marathon for the 67-year-old priest. He completed the run in five hours and five minutes. Segment II: Election day this year has turned into election season. Millions of Americans, taking COVID-19 precautions, have already voted by mail or in person. It’s not uncommon to find waits of 45 minutes or more at early voting stations. Father Lou Cameli, based at Holy Name Cathedral recently wrote some reflections on the concept of Faithful Citizenship, and the role it plays in the voting process. You can hear his complete reflections on our YouTube channel, Catholic Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The 9th annual Mass for Hope and Healing is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10am. The Mass has been hosted by the Office of Assistance Ministry which was created in 1992 to support the healing and reconciliation of victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Guests: Michael Hoffman; Thomas Tharayil. Segment II: The Great Chicago Fire is a Chicago Stories original documentary that premieres Friday, October 9th at 8 pm on WTTW. It explores how Chicagoans faced destruction, rebuilt the city and prepared it for a thriving future. It also examines the anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic sentiment of the time that lead Mrs. Catherine O'leary to be unfairly blamed for the blaze. Guest: Dan Protess

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Bishop elect Fr. Jeffrey Grob. Segment II: Bishop elect Fr. Bob Lombardo, CFR. Segment III: Bishop elect Fr. Kevin Birmingham.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Pat Drott, the HIV/AIDS Liaison for Catholic Charities, joins us to talk about the ongoing outreach to the HIV community, and to discuss the upcoming annual Walk-Run to raise funds to help their much-needed ministry. Segment II: Dr. Mary Amore, Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, joins us to talk about needs and opportunities for people to seek spiritual direction in these turbulent times.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: "No Ways Tired" is a drive-in parking lot prayer service, sponsored by the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago. Every year the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago hold a sunrise prayer service to pray for the end to the violence in our neighborhoods and the protection of our children as a new school year begins. This year with the Covid-19 pandemic, the prayer service will be held in the parking lot of St. Katharine Drexel parish. Guests: Deacon LeRoy Gill; Deacon William Pouncy. Segment II: The Illinois chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is sponsoring a virtual lecture series called Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration. The first virtual event will take place at Holy Name Cathedral on October 1st from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Guests: Anne Shea; Fr. Lou Cameli.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Medard Laz, a prolific author now living in Florida, talks about his website, Treats for the Soul, and his latest book, The Gathering: Jesus and Abortion, A Story for Our Time. Segment II: Well-known author Sr. Helen Prejean discusses her latest book, River of Fire, in which she writes about how Vatican II changed life for many in religious orders. Sr. Helen Prejean is best known for her 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, about her role as a spiritual adviser to a convicted killer on death row.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The St. Agatha Gospel Choir has a New Contemporary Gospel CD, "It's Over, It's Alright." Guests: Fr. Larry Dowling; Dennis Smith. Segment II: Josh Goralski heads up an organization called Unlocking Communities. From that group's website: "We equip entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities."

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Stephanie Baliga is one of the very dedicated Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago who can be found helping people in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood through the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels. On August 23, Sr. Stephanie ran an entire marathon...on a treadmill. The former long-distance runner at the University of Illinois now runs for God, and she was raising funds for the Mission. Segment II: As Catholic schools reopen for the new school year, social and emotional learning has become a focus. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Guests: Yesenia Maldonado; Rana Brizgys; Jonna Koenitzer

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The Pope has been busy appointing a few of our great priests here in the Archdiocese of Chicago to lead dioceses across the state of Illinois. Segment I: Fr. Louis Tylka is the new Coadjutor Bishop of Peoria. Segment II: Fr. Michael McGovern has become the bishop of Belleville.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Joellyn Cicciarelli, the President and Publisher of Loyola Press, talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about Wanderlight, a groundbreaking Catholic video game. Segment II: Fr. Lou Cameli, the Cardinal's Delegate for Christian Formation and Mission, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to discuss coping spiritually with the pandemic, social unrest, and violence in our neighborhoods.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Award-winning author and speaker Amy "A.J." Cattapan talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about what's keeping her busy during the COVID-19 pandemic…from helping to organize a retreat to working on another book. Segment II: Greg Pierce, publisher of ACTA Publications in Chicago, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about his blog and specifically disinvestment in minority communities.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Representatives of Non-Violence Works discuss the principles and practices of non-violence as a skill to help reduce violence in Chicago. Guests: Philip Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: Fr. Dom Grassi joins Fr. Greg and Mark to discuss his blog on COVID-19, his latest mystery, and life in general.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Brother Michael Segvich joins Fr. Greg and Mark as he wraps up his time with the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Religious. Brother Mike is about to begin a 6-year term on his province's leadership team in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Segment II: Joyce Duriga, Editor of Chicago Catholic, talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about the stories she's been covering during COVID-19. Joyce also talks about her recently published book, Augustus Tolton: The Church is the True Liberator.

Host: Mark Teresi. St. Mary of the Lake Parish has opened a pop-up food pantry in collaboration with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This food pantry serves the needs of at-risk residents of the Buena Park neighborhood, especially immigrants. St. Mary of the Lake will also be hosting a two-day event, in collaboration with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, about the merging of justice with faith. Guests: Pamela Matambanadzo; Claire DesHotels.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Jason Malave and Cliff Barber discuss how they have been able to move forward with the Renew My Church initiative despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Segment II: Kevin Foy with the Office for Lifelong Formation talks about Catholic faith formation during the pandemic, and how his office compliments the evangelization efforts of Renew My Church.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher, and author who has taught at DePaul, Loyola and Northwestern University. Dr. Gordon spends the hour with Fr. Greg discussing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Mary Amore talks about what has been happening at Mayslake Ministries during the pandemic. Segment II: Playwright and comedian Vicki Quade, co-creator of Late Night Catechism and head of Nuns for Fun Entertainment, gives news of a special Summer online performance that's available now. A portion of proceeds will go to the Daughters of St. Paul, whose religious bookstore on Michigan Avenue was heavily damaged by looters following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Also participating in this segment is Sr. Tracey Dugas, Director of Pauline Mission Advancement for the Daughters of St. Paul.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Todd Williamson, director of the Office for Divine Worshop, talks about the reopening of our churches for public mass. Segment II: St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville launches a unique way to attend mass without entering a church building. Guests: Deacon Dan Coughlin; Stan Taylor. Segment III: We stay with St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville but shift the conversation to its International Sharing Ministry. Guests: Mary Causey; Deacon Dan Coughlin; Stan Taylor.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Following George Floyd's death and the civil unrest that followed, representatives of Non-Violence Works joined Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about principles and practices of non-violence as a skill. Guests: Philip Bradley; Elfriede Wedam; Larry Campbell. Segment II: The importance of exercise, how to be creative with exercise, and adding a spiritual twist to your exercise routine. Guests: Michele Sotak; Fr. Lou Cameli.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Fr. Greg talks with Cardinal Blase Cupich about the Church's response in these disheartening times. Segment II: Fr. Greg welcomes Fr. Matt O'Donnell, pastor of St. Columbanus, to discuss the status of the neighborhood where he ministers. As one of the priests who ministers to COVID-19 patients, Fr. Matt talks about how the pandemic disproportionately affects communities of color.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Fr. Richard Fragomeni is the Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, adjunct faculty member in the Department of Religious Studies at DePaul University, and a member of the faculty of Catholic Theological Union. In addition to his teaching duties, he gives presentations around the world on liturgical, sacramental and catechetical topics.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Author, educator and on-line innovator Kathy DeNicolo talks about what she is doing on-line to help children and parents during this challenging time of the pandemic. Segment II: Fr. Larry Sullivan, Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago, discusses on-line field masses that will be held on Memorial Day. Fr. Larry also talks about protocols that are in place at Catholic Cemeteries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. In today's program Dr. Gordon continues the discussion about the history of the Catholic Church in regards to pandemics and epidemics.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Wayne Watts, Pastor of Sts. Joseph and Francis Xavier in Wilmette, is one of the priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago who has been designated to minister to people and families who have been sickened by COVID-19. Segment II: The holy month of Ramadan and overall Catholic-Muslim relations. Guests: Dan Olsen; Sheikh Hassan Aly.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. John Kartje, Rector/President of Mundelein Seminary/University of St. Mary of the Lake, talks about the seminary hosting a virtual May Crowning on May 3. Segment II: The Overall Impact of COVID-19 on the Church and our Health Care System. Guests: Fr. William Grogan; Kathy Donahue; James Sifuentes; Dawn Mayer.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon is an internationally recognized historian, researcher and author. In today's program Dr. Gordon talks about the history of the Catholic Church in regards to pandemics and epidemics.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Guest: Mark Schmeltzer. Segment II: Author Mary Doyle talks about her book, The Alzheimer's Spouse: Finding the Grace to Keep the Promise.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Greg Pierce, Publisher of ACTA Publications, talks about what community organizations in Chicagoland are doing about the pandemic. Segment II: Kay Metres, author of the book "After the Fear, Come the Gifts: Breast Cancer's Nine Suprising Blessings" and Brigid Gerace, one of the narrators of the audio book version, talk about the book.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mary Jane Doerr, director of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, talks about how her office is impacted by COVID-19. Segment II: Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, talks about how worhip is being affected by the virus outbreak. Segment III: Jim Disch, Director of the Radio/TV Office, gives an update on where Catholics can find daily and Sunday masses online.