Catholic Chicago

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.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Marek Smolka, head of Chicago Polish Ministry and Cathedral Associate, is in studio to talk about his role as the head of the Chicago Polish Ministry. Segment II: Todd Williamson, Director of the Office for Divine Worship, discusses the season of Lent.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Amanda Thompson, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at DePaul University, talks about Catholics on campus. Segment II: Fr. Hans Zollner and Mr. Juan Carlos Cruz talk about safeguarding children in the church. Fr. Zollner is one of the world's leading experts in the area of safeguarding minors. He is the President of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian Institute in Rome, a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and a consultor to the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy. Juan Carlos Cruz is an advocate for victim-survivors and a survivor himself. He influenced the Pope to set the stage for the global Church to move away from thinking that survivors want to destroy the Church, but instead, to partner with victims as they move forward with their lives as Catholics.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mark Schmeltzer, Director of Communications for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls talks about their annual March for Kids Campaign. Segment II: Josh Goralski, Founder and CEO of Unlocking Communities, a social enterprise that puts economic power in the hands of Haitians to create an environment of self-respect and sustainability.

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: Lent and Ash Wednesday at St. Peter's Church in the Loop. Guest: Fr. Bob Hutmacher. Segment II: Fish fries and variations on the tradition throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago will begin this Friday. Guests: Mike McGovern; Tom Spratt. Segment III: Brian Brach talks about Lenten Reflections produced by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Radio/TV Office that will be available on the Archdiocese web site as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Meg Hall, Archdiocese of Chicago Director of Archives and Records Center, talks about the importance of properly taking care of records and documents in a parish. Segment II: A panel of guests talk about the Annual Catholic Appeal 2020. Guests: Elizabeth Anastasia; Brendan Keating; Barbara Shea Collins.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Greg Pierce, publisher of ACTA Publications, talks about his soon-to-be-published book, "Reveille for a New Generation - Organizers and Leaders Reflect on Power." Segment II: Author Helen Reichert Lambin discusses her recently published book, "An A-Z Guide to Letting Go."

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Archdiocese of Chicago and Big Shoulders Fund have announced that the Big Shoulders Fund will donate $47.5 million and the Archdiocese of Chicago will provide $44.9 million to help ensure the continuing mission of 30 schools over 10 years. The schools, mainly on Chicago's south and west sides, serve 5,600 children, their families and their communities. Guests: Big Shoulders Fund CEO Josh Hale; Catholic Schools Superindendent Dr. Jim Rigg. Segment II: Bob Fallon and Nancy Giani discuss "The Gathering IX - Men's Day of Renewal".

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Mary Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge is partnering with a priest from Zambia to establish a parish in the harsh wilderness of Africa. A film titled "Labor of Love" documenting this partnership premiered at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge last September. There will be another screening of the documentary at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago on Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m. Guests: Fr. Gerald Gunderson; Fr. Bwezani Wildred Phiri; Kuba Luczkiewicz. Segment II: Catholic Schools Week is celebrated by listening to excerpts from the recent Celebrating Catholic Education Breakfast.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Exploring efforts to promote, nourish and grow religious vocations throughout the United States. Guests: Phil Loftus; Patrice Tuohy

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18 to January 25. Guests: Dr. Daniel Olsen; Tom Masters; Rev. John Armstrong. Segment II: Michael O'Loughlin is a national correspondent for America Magazine and the host of the new podcast, "Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church." Michael is also author of "The Tweetable Pope: A Spiritual Revolution in 140 Characters".

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Annual Year-in-Review program, when we get a chance to visit with leaders of important ministries here in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. An hour of Christmas music.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz, Wayne Magdziarz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Greg and Wayne talk to Ron Polaniecki and Elizabeth Kohlbeck with Chicago Shares, a not-for-profit that allows people to buy vouchers that can be given to people-in-need that can then be redeemed at participating businesses. Segment II: Fr. Greg and Mark chat with Rich Daniels, Musical Director of the City Lights Orchestra, about a number of holiday projects and performances including the first ever Rector's Christmas Concert at Holy Name Cathedral on Friday, December 13.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon discusses the history of the Catholic Church through through it's first 1,000 years.