Catholic Chicago

Guests for this program are Richard Zmuda, author of "The Mole of Vatican Council II: The True Story of 'Xavier Rynne'" and Greg Pierce, president and publisher of ACTA Publications.

Guests for this program are Charles "Chuck" Shanabruch, author of "Ed Marciniak's City and Church: A Voice of Conscience" and Greg Pierce, president and publisher of ACTA Publications.

Davide Bonicelli and Patrick Lambert talk about the details of the Downtown Chicago Way of the Cross that will take place on Good Friday

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Dr. Edward Gordon about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic and also the state of the U.S. and world economies

Tranquility, transformation, and transcendence is what Mary K. Doyle insists you will find when strolling through the 72 poems and photos inspired by the natural treasures found in three Chicago suburban public gardens--Cantigny Park in Wheaton, The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, and Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Joining us for this segment is Mary K. Doyle

What is a vocation? A vocation is, essentially, an occupation. In a religious context, a vocation implies someone has had a divine call to live a religious life. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we all have one calling in our lives: holiness. This means following Jesus to the best of our abilities. However, holiness will look different depending on one’s specific vocation. It’s important to listen and recognize the signs that determine how one answers and finds a place in life. Joining us for this segment is Vocations Director, Fr. Timothy Monahan

Part 1: St. Joseph Parish in north suburban Libertyville is a vibrant faith community whose stated vision is: “Through Our Baptism and Eucharist, we are called to love as Christ loves and serve as Christ serves.” On our program today, we have 2 groups of parishioners to tell us about 2 of the many wonderful ministries offered by St. Joseph parish. Up first we have Renee Zorc, Liz Kennedy, and Abby Daniels to tell us about SOUP FOR THE SOUL. Part 2: The Bed Ministry of St. Joseph parish in north suburban Libertyville is dedicated to building, assembling and delivering beds to children in need in the community. Joining us for this segment to talk about the Bed Ministry is Dan Palmieri, Dan Harris, and Anna Roeser.

Chicago Catholics will have an opportunity to learn about and be in the presence of an object of reverence that, in one writer’s words, “has been a focal point of veneration…attracting pilgrims and believers seeking spiritual solace.” The skull relic of Saint Jean de Brebeuf, which you’d normally find in an Ontario shrine, will be at the Church of the Holy Family located at 1080 West Roosevelt Road on March 1, 2024. Fr. Eric Immel, S.J., is traveling with the relic across North America. His mission ios to educate the faithful about the sain[‘ts mortal remains and their connection to the Jesuit priest who was canonized in 1930. Joining us on the program this morning via Zoom from Nebraska is Fr. Eric Immel.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website says Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ. Joining us for today’s program to talk about the liturgies of Lent is Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship.

We are now into the Month of February, which of course is Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society—from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more. According to History dot com, the Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence that African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression." In honor of this theme, our guest today is author, artist, and old friend, Andrew Lyke.

Fr. Louis J. Cameli and Michele Sotak join co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi to talk about how to best prepare for Lent, and the connection between faith and fitness.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi have a discussion about ecumenism and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with Susan Pudelek, Dan Olsen, Dr. Jon Nilson, and Dr. Robert Cathey.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi spend time talking with Frank Casella with the Chicago Southland Men's Conference.

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi talk with Larry Campbell, Philip Bradley and Elfriede Wedam about the newest developments at Non-violence Works

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi square off in a battle of sports knowledge in the game Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun? -- Sports Edition that was developed by Vicki Quade, the creator of Nuns4Fun Entertainment and Late Nite Catechism.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz talks with Dr. Mary Amore about her new book titled Everyday with Jesus.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz spends the hour talking with Dr. Edward Gordon about the current status of the Covid-19 pandemic and also the Israel/Hamas War.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. They share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models and to put charity and community first. The Knights of Columbus Council #12173 is made up of current and former police officers. Also known as "The God Squad", they assemble and maintain the Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza.

Host Fr. Greg Sakowicz interviews Michael Jolls, the director of the documentary, "Holy Ground"

Co-hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism and Declaration on Non-Christian Religions, the Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs works to foster Christian unity and to deepen our relationships with Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other religions through initiatives that resonate on a local and global scale. Joining us for today’s program from the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs are Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek.

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi have a conversation with Holy Name Cathedral parishioner, Linda Nardone, about her latest memoir, We Are The Sheep.

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi spend time talking to Sr. Stephanie Baliga about the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and how she raises money for the mission by leading a team that runs annually in the Chicago Marathon.

Host Mark Teresi spends time talking with the Executive Director of Mayslake Ministries, Dr. Mary Amore, about the latest offerings at Mayslake Ministries for the Autumn and Advent seasons.

Host Mark Teresi has a conversation with Prior Peter Funk about what life is like as a monk at the Monastery of the Holy Cross.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Synod on Synodality is a three-year process of listening and dialogue. The synodal process will conclude in 2024. The guests for this segment are Fr. Lou Cameli and Monsignor Patrick Pollard.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Todd Williamson with the Office for Divine Worshop spends time talking to Fr. Greg and Mark about All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Mike Bradley recently ran his 50th marathon. When Fr. Mike runs, he raises money for the Heart to Heart Ministry at St. Gertrude parish on Chicago's north side. Fr. Mike and Sr. Susan Quaintance are the guests for this first segment. Segment II: Sticking with the theme of priests running to raise money, Fr. Robert Shultz, Pastor of Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish in Schiller Park, also ran in the Chicago Marathon and raised money for his parish. Fr. Robert also recently participated in the Iron Man Triathlon. The guests for the second half of today’s program are Fr. Robert Shultz, Marlene Bacha, and Zerlina Kirchen.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Bishops Robert Casey and Jeffrey Grob join Fr. Greg and Mark in remembering Bishop Kevin Birmingham who died in his sleep a week earlier.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: ACTA Publications began in 1957 as a publisher of books and audio/video resources for religious education and spiritual development. It has since broadened its editorial scope to include sports; social justice and community organizing; caregiving, grief, and mourning; storytelling and novels; and children's books. They publish 8-10 new titles per year and have a backlist of over 400 books and cds. ACTA titles are non-academic and aimed at the average reader. Joining us for the first half of today’s program is the President and Publisher of ACTA Publications, Greg Pierce. Segment II: The School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King has nine provinces in 13 countries on four continents. Last year, in 2022, the Sisters located in Lamont, Illinois, celebrated 100 years as a Province. And coming up this October 15th is their annual fundraiser known as Run With The Nuns. Joining us for the second half of today’s program are Sr. Therese Ann Quigney and Carrie Peters.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: The 2023 Guanacaste Listening Conference will take place on October 5th, 6th and 7th at Old St. Mary’s Elementary School and St. Ignatius Prep. Joining us now to talk about The Divine Art of Dialogue Across Differences and Commonalities is Dr. John Igwebuike. Segment II: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Joining us for the second half of today’s program to talk about Domestic Violence Awareness and the mass that will be held at Holy Name Cathedral this weekend is Fr. Chuck Dahm.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Ulma Family gave their lives rescuing fleeing Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland. Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma, and their seven children (including one unborn in Wiktoria’s womb) were beatified on Sunday, September 10, in their home village of Markova. The story of the Ulma family is the final chapter in the new book authored by our first guest today, Stephen J. Binz. Segment II: Sr. Kathleen is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration who has ministered in teaching, faith formation, spiritual direction, young adult ministry, vocation ministry and parish ministry. In these ministries, she has worked closely with religious, clergy, and lay women and men from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sr. Katie is now part of the Holy Name Cathedral staff.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on where things stand with the Covid-19 pandemic, health care issues, and the economy.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Do Not Discard is a new book by Chicago author, Marlene Byrne, based on the true-life story of Sam, an orphan who was thrown in the trash as an infant. The book chronicles Sam’s story from a garbage dump in El Salvador as he rises above adversity in an orphanage and the streets of El Salvador to arrive in Chicago. Joining us for the first half of today’s program is Marlene Byrne. Segment II: A Form of sacred art is the icon. An icon is a type of religious artwork, often a two-dimensional painting on wood, that is common in religious devotion. While icons are most frequently associated with Eastern Christianity, they are no uncommon in the Latin Church. Joining us for the second half of today’s program is Iconographer Joseph Malham.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: On Saturday, Aug. 26, the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago hosted the annual Sunrise Prayer Service at 6:30 a.m. at Oakwood Beach to pray for peace. The prayer service was followed by a Peace Fellowship Breakfast and Symposium at Our Lady of Africa, 613 E. Oakwood Blvd., Chicago. Guests: Deacon LeRoy Gill and Deacon William Pouncy. Segment II: Food deserts can be described as geographic areas where residents' access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance. Joining us now to continue a discussion we began in June about the issue of food deserts in the city are Larry Campbell, Dwight Hearns, and Sandra Botello

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Knights of Columbus, St. Michael the Archangel Council 12173, is the only police Knights of Columbus Police Council. As the group that sets up and maintains the Nativity Scene in Daily Plaza at Christmastime, they have earned the nickname, “The God Squad”,. Our guests in Studio for the full hour – Dennis Fitzgerald, William “Bill” Warnock, both retired Chicago police officers.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. On today's program, Fr. Lou Cameli and Michele Sotak join our hosts to continue the discussion of Faith and Fitness.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: In August of 2023, the Parliament of the World’s Religions returns to the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement after 30 years away to celebrate 130 years of history in the city of Chicago. Parliament Convenings attract participants from more than 200 diverse religious, indigenous, and secular beliefs and more than 80 nations. Joining us in studio for the first half of today’s program to talk about the Parliament of the World’s Relitions are Dan Olsen and Susan Pudelek from the Office For Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. Segment II: St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish, located in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, is hosting street Masses every Tuesday and Thursday evening through the beginning of August to bring the Gospel message of peace and hope to the community and to pray for an end to violence. Joining us for this half of today’s program are Fr. Marco Franco Luna and Tony Velasco.

Vicki Quade plays Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun? with Fr. Greg and Mark.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Mary Amore talks about the latest offerings from Mayslake Ministries. Segment II: Sr. Joan McGlinchey discusses her 60 years in religious life.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: One year ago, the city of Highland Park experienced a horrific mass shooting at an event that should have been a joyous celebration of the community. This Saturday, July 1st, a mass of healing will take place at Immaculate Conception in Highland Park. Joining us this morning to talk about the faith community in Highland Park and the mass this weekend is Marvin Sabido. Segment II: Food deserts can be described as geographic areas where residents' access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance. Joining us now to talk about the issue of food deserts in the city are Larry Campbell, Dwight Hearns, and Sandra Botello

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On May 20th of this year, Cardinal Blase Cupich ordained 5 men to the priesthood at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Joining us this morning to talk to us about his vocation journey is one of those men. Fr. Jesus Custodio will be serving the community of St. Alphonsus. Segment II: Sports are filled with liturgical actions and rituals. Watch any sporting event from beginning to end, in-person or on-screen, and there is clearly a liturgy, or ordered structure to the event that is filled with rite and ceremony. It is part of what makes sporting events meaningful, memorable, and participatory. Joining us today to talk about parallels between sports and religion is Todd Williamson.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Al Castillo talks about the current Hispanic young adult speaker series. Segment II: St. Josephine Bakhita parish is sponsoring a second annual Town Hall meeting on Safety.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Msgr. John Pollard discusses his book “An Account of Our Hope” regarding the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. In this episode of Catholic Chicago we sit down with historian Dr. Edward Gordon to talk about the current situation in regards to Covid-19 and also the state of the United States Economy.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Shannen Dee Williams is Associate Professor of History at the University of Dayton. She is an award-winning scholar of the African American experience and Black Catholicism with research and teaching specializations in women’s, religious, and Black freedom movement history. Dr. Williams is also the author of Subversive Habits, the first full history of black Catholic nuns in the United States. Guest: Dr. Shannen Dee Williams. Segment II: Niles College Seminary educated and formed men for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 33 years, from 1961 to 1994, and, during that time, witnessed great changes both in the church and in society. Now researchers, alumni and others interested in the seminary’s history can learn more by examining a new collection at the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Archives and Records Center. The Niles College Seminary Collection includes everything from the rectors’ logbooks to yearbooks to photographs and newspaper articles about the seminary, which educated men in their undergraduate years for most of existence. Guest: Archivist Charles Heinrich.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. A Catholic deacon is one who is ordained to diakonia, that is, a service to God’s People in communion with the bishop and his body of priests. “The principal function of the deacon is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in the exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness. A new class of 19 permanent and 4 transitional deacons were ordained at Holy Name Cathedral on Saturday, May 13. Today we will meet a couple of the new deacons in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. 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. The organization provides a range of programming including academic/STEM tutoring, violence prevention and life skills, healthy lifestyle guidance and high-quality baseball and softball skills training. The BASE Chicago’s Clubhouse and Learning Center will become a beacon of hope on Chicago’s West Side. The goal of The BASE is to ensure that 100% of BASE student athletes graduate from high school and have the support and resources they need to develop their individual game plans for success, whether that includes matriculating to college or entering a job training program. We focus on developing good citizens who make good decisions, steering them away from violence, gang activity and other negative behaviors. Joining us for the full hour in studio are Frank Schulz and Eric Davis.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: May 1 is Religious Brothers day and the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. In recognition, our first guest today is not only a religious brother, he is also a Muralista, Educator, and Cowboy. Guest: Brother Mark Elder, C.M. Segment II: For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of May to honor Mary, Mother of God. Guest: Fr. Richard Fragomeni.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan/North Chicago and the Waukegan Police Department are joining together for a gun buy-back event that will take place this Saturday, April 29. Most Blessed Trinity Parish offers many social services to it's community. Guests: Fr. Timothy O'Malley, Marvin Sabido, Cmdr. Scott Chastain

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: As we enter into the Great Season of Easter, we have the director of the Office for Divine Worship and self-proclaimed “Liturgy Geek”, Todd Williamson, joining us to take a deep dive into just what makes the season of Easter so great! Segment II: The University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, has been the major seminary and school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago and beyond for over a century. And now there is a new School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization that starts up on July 1 this year. Cardinal Blase Cupich said “This new school will provide fresh opportunities for the education and spiritual development of the laity, building their capacity to contribute their gifts and talents and experiences as disciples for the benefit of the entire church as envisioned by the Second Vatican Council.” Joining us now to talk about the new School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization, as well as other events coming up at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, is the new Provost and VP for Development at USML/Mundelein Seminary, Brian Schmisek.