Catholic Chicago

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Serving the Poor in the current climate of inflation. We have 2 individuals who excel at serving the poor of their communities to talk about how the current economic climate of high inflation is impacting both the needs of the poor and the donations that they rely on. Guests: Sr. Stephanie Baliga from the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park, and Marvin Sabido from Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan and North Chicago. Segment II: ACTA Publications has recently published The Merton Prayer: An Exercise in Authenticity which digs deeply into the powerful one-page chapter prayer from Thomas Merton’s Thoughts in Solitude, first published in 1956. This prayer has been so helpful to many seeking to know God’s will and to feel His leading when the road ahead is not at all clear. Joining us is the author of The Merton Prayer: An Exercise in Authenticity, Steven Denny.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: SS. Peter and Paul parish celebrated their last mass on 6/26 as they will now combine into a new unified parish with other churches. Joining us this morning to reminisce about the history of SS. Peter and Paul, and to talk about the journey that lies ahead, are Father Honoratus Mwageni, Cheryl Reed and Larry Campbell. Segment II: Dr. timone davis is an assistant professor of Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Black Catholic Theology at Loyola University’s Institute of Pastoral Studies. She is also Associate Convener with the Black Catholic Theological Symposium and author of the book, Intergenerational Catechesis: Revitalizing Faith through African-American Storytelling.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Thomas Bellanger, Andre Rawls Weatherby and Sandra Botello talk about the newly unified parish of St. Josephine Bakhita. Segment II: Fr. Don Nevins talks about the St. Agnes of Bohemia street masses.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins Fr. Greg and Mark for the full hour to discuss current developments of various topics.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Stephanie Baliga talks about the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels after the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary returned to the Mission. Segment II: Teresa Scalise, music minister at Mary, Seat of Wisdom, talks about her music ministry and we hear a couple of Teresa's performances.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: We are blessed to have the opportunity to get to know one of the men who were ordained to the priesthood in a ceremony celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich this past Saturday. Fr. Joseph Brom will now serve as a priest at St. John Cantius parish. He joins us this morning to talk to us about his formation journey and his hopes for the future. Guest: Fr. Joseph Brom, SJC. Segment II: For the first time in two years, Memorial Day field Masses will be held in person at Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Cemeteries across the region on Monday, May 30. Active military and veterans will be asked to come forward for a special blessing followed by the playing of Taps. The annual Memorial Day remembrance was established by the Catholic Cemetery Conference to honor the men and women of the armed forces who died while serving, as well as active military and veterans. Guest: Theodore (Ted) Ratajczyk

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Today we get to know six of the men who were ordained permanent deacons at Holy Name Cathedral on Saturday, May 14th. Segment I: First up we have Manuel Ruiz who serves the community of Our Lady of the Heights/Nuestra Senora de las Alturas in Chicago Heights, and Roberto Reyes who serves the community of Santa Maria Magdalena in Blue Island. Segment II: Up next we are joined by John Ruskin who serves the community at Prince of Peace in Lake Villa, and Joseph McCain who serves the community of St. John the Evangelist in Streamwood. Segment III: For our final segment we are joined by Krzysztof (Kris) Slowikowski who serves the community at St. John Brebeuf in Niles, and Moyossola (Jean) Boussari who serves the community of St. Colette in Rolling Meadows.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Formerly known as the St. Francis Retreat House in Oak Brook, Illinois, Mayslake Ministries is a lay led 501.c.3 Catholic/Christian Not-for Profit Spirituality Center founded by Fr. Jonathan Foster, OFM, in 1991 as a “retreat house without walls.” Since 1991, Mayslake Ministries has served the spiritual needs of Christian/Catholic adult men and women from all walks of life, providing multiple spiritual opportunities for people who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The programs and services are sanctioned by the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Dioceses of Joliet and Rockford, Illinois. Today we talk with Dr. Mary Amore about the latest offerings from Mayslake Ministries. Segment II: The 49th Annual Summer Scripture Conference is scheduled to take place on the grounds of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary from June 19 to June 24. Joining us to talk about this year’s conference is Megan Deichl and Linda Couri.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho, author of Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima and vice-postulator of the cause for canonization of Sr. Lucia, and Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews, founder of the Broken Mary Project, are the guests for the full hour. Sr. Angela has come all the way from Portugal to Chicago to travel around Cook and Lake counties to speak to audiences about Understanding the Message of Fatima. Guests: Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho and Kevin Matthews.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Vicar for Religious, talks about how retired religious benefit from the generosity of contributions to the Religious Retirement Fund. Segment II: Bishop Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Vicariate VI, discusses the Men's Conference that occurred recently and gives an update on where things are in the cause for canonization of Father Augustus Tolton.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. The Super Team from the Office for Divine Worship break down the elements of the holiest week for Catholics. Guests: Todd Williamson; Wendy Silhavy; Carmen Arroyo.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Peter’s in the Loop is celebrating their 175th anniversary. Fr. Bob Hutmacher, Guardian of St. Peter’s in the Loop, joins us for the first segment to talk about the ongoing celebration and to promote Holy Week events at the church. Segment II: Kolbe House is the agency of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission of the Archdiocese of Chicago that serves individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system. Compelled by the Gospel mandate, “I was in prison and you visited me,” Kolbe House at Assumption BVM — a parish-based jail ministry — is a sanctuary for those impacted by incarceration. Guests: Emily Cortina and Pat Sullivan. Segment III: Mustard Seeds is a small faith community at Holy Name Cathedral. Joining us for the last segment of today’s program to discuss the value of small Catholic Christian Faith communities are three members of Mustard Seeds, LouAnn Burkhardt, Sue Kovacs, and Christine Lawless.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: On March 25, 2022, Pope Francis consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart alongside Ukraine, with both countries explicitly mentioned, amid the Russo-Ukrainian War. Joining us to talk about this consecration is the director of the Office for Divine Worship, Todd Williamson. Segment II: On Sunday, April 3rd at 2:30pm, a mass for journalists and their families covering the Ukraine conflict will be held at St. Mary of the Lake church on Chicago’s north side. Joining us for this segment are Michael Puente, journalist and organizer of the mass, and Michael Ruzicki, Music Director at St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Segment III: Vince Gerasole interviews a Chicago woman who is on the front line of helping refugees.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Unlocking Communities equips entrepreneurs with the education and tools to sell sustainable products that unlock economic, social and environmental transformation in their communities. Through focusing on entrepreneurship development, water filtration system production, community needs response, and global franchising, UC has impacted over 130,000 people since 2018. Guest: Josh Goralski. Segment II: Each year we follow the passion of Christ in the heart of our city, where thousands of people carry their cross every day. Through choral music, Gospel passages, reflections, and our silent procession, we hope to enter more deeplly into the events of Good Friday and their meaning for us today. We ask to experience the exceptional Presence of Christ among us as a real answer to the needs of our hearts. Guests: Bishop Mark Bartosic, Sepha Skean, Terese Black

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Linda Nardone is an active parishioner at Holy Name Cathedral and has written a memoir entitled "My Journey to Steadfast Faith." Guest: Lina Nardone. Segment II: For 37 years, Amate House has attracted dedicated and caring young people who are answering the call to not just a year of service, but to the opportunity to grow and become leaders who will go on to change the world long after their year at Amate House.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Misericordia Bakery is expanding! A brand new location will be opening this Spring. Guests: Julie O'Sullivan, Beth Woytek. Segment II: The 26th Annual Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Jerusalem Lecture will be held on Tuesday, March 22. Guests: Dan Olsen, Barbara March Kantrow, Rabbi Reni Dickman

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Chicago Catholic Lawyers Guild Lenten Retreat for 2022 will be held on Friday, March 11 at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park. Guests: Honorable Thomas More Donnelly, Honorable Edward Washington II, Fr. Bob Cook. Segment II: Mayslake Ministries is offering a 6-week Lenten series on the Eucharist beginning March 8th. Guest: Dr. Mary Amore

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon talks to our hosts about the current state of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the ongoing labor shortage.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Segment I: The Chicago Bears have granted $200,000 to Leo High School for a new athletic field. Guests: Marge Hamm; Lauren Lewis; Dan McGrath. Segment II: The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Archives and Records Center has created an online exhibit that highlights Black Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago for Black History Month. Guest: Charles Heinrich

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish recently celebrated the Lunar New Year. Guests: Sharon Wong; Lily May; Thomas Howard. Segment II: The Most Blessed Trinity Parish Food Pantry in Waukegan was recently able to purchase a new van! Guests: Fr. Timothy O'Malley; Marvin Sabido

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Last week, St. Ferdinands brought back the successful sale of "Cuddle Buddies Slap Bracelets" to raise funds to buy clothinbg and other items for two families at nearby school/parish St. Bartholomew who were recently displaced from a fire. Guests: Erin Boyle Folino, Corrie Rettelle, St. Ferdinand Catholic School Student Council Officers Cecylia, Deren and Zophia. Segment II: The months-long Centennial Celebration of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary continues into 2022. Guests: Fr. John Kartje; Peggy Pandaleon

Hosted by Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Polish Museum of America is located in Chicago. Museum president Richard Owsiany joins Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about the history and future of the museum. Segment II: Police Officer Michael Carroll talks to Fr. Greg and Mark about his role in the newly created position titled Religious Communities Outreach Liaison with the Chicago Police Department

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Vice President of Mission for Catholic Extension, Joe Boland, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about the Work of Catholic Extension.

Holy Name Cathedral was host to the 2022 Cathedral Rectors Conference. Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi invited some of the conference attendees to join them on this episode of Catholic Chicago.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Rob Kaczmark from Spirit Juice Studios talks about a documentary Spirit Juice Studios produced about Gil Hodges, who was recently inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame. Fr. Greg, Mark and Rob also discussed a new Catholic kids program produced by Spirit Juice Studios called Juice Box.

Enjoy these live performances of music of the season.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Vicki Quade, creator of Late Nite Catechism, joins our hosts to talk about Christmas traditions, movie and theater reviews, and her new book.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Michele Sotak and Fr. Lou Cameli spend the hour talking about the connection between faith and physical fitness.

Hosts: Fr,. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on the Covid-19 pandemic and spends time discussing the current labor shortage in health care and other areas.

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Julie Ryan McGue is an identical twin and an adoptee. Her writing centers on finding out who you really are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Segment II: Fr. J. Michael Sparough produced and directed a 33-minute documentary titled “Courage to Forgiv.” It is the story of Cardinal Bernardin’s reconciliation with his accuser, Steven Cook and a moving tribute honoring the Cardinal with a message of forgiveness.

In the first installment of this new podcast series, Chicago Catholic editor Joyce Duriga interviews local historian Ellen Skerrett about new research she has uncovered about Jesuit Father Arnold Damen, pastor of Holy Family Church on Roosevelt Road and Ignatius College, and the vital aid he gave to Catholic immigrants who lost everything in the Chicago Fire. Skerrett also talks about anti-Catholicism of the day and how it impacted the narrative of the Great Chicago Fire, including what was believed about the fire's origins and Mrs. O'Leary. Skerrett is an expert on local Catholic history and is co-author or author of several books. She also curated the historic exhibit to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini at the national shrine in Lincoln Park.

Host: Mark Teresi. Mother Cabrini's Feast Day begins the Jubilee Year in Honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Canonization of Mother Cabrini. Guests: Sr. Joan McGlinchey, Fr. Dominic Grassi, Fr. Ramil Fajardo

Host: Fr. Greg Sakowicz. Sr. Ângela de Fátima Coelho, author of Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima and postulator of the cause of Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto (two of the visionaries of Fatima) joins Fr. Greg via Zoom, all the way from Portugal. Joining Sr. Ângela on the program is Chicago radio legend and founder of the Broken Mary Project, Kevin Matthews.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Synod on Synodality: Pope Francis' Call for Renewal. Guests: Fr. Louis Cameli; Monsignor Patrick Pollard. Segment II: Catholic Singer, Songwriter and Recording Artist, Anna Nuzzo.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Mary Amore talks about the latest developments at Mayslake Ministries. Segment II: Vicki Quade, creator of Late Nite Catechism, comes on the program to have some fun with our hosts.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Dr. Edward Gordon joins our hosts to give an update on where things stand in the Covid-19 pandemic and to continue his discussion on The Age of Faith: The History of the Church in the Middle Ages.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Fr. Robert Cook, O.F.M. Conv., Pastor of Mary Mother of God parish, talks about St. Francis of Assisi. Segment II: Fr. David Simonetti, Pastor of Christ Our Light parish, talks about the importance of pets in our families, and of the popular "blessing of pets" events that occur during the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Today our hosts spend the hour talking with 3 current seminarians, Conrad Espino, Josh Jones, and Daniel Garcia, who are in the midst of their "Spirituality Year" of dicernment.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Eugene Giudice, author of Reflections During a Pandemic: Thought While Sheltering in Place, joins us for the first half to reflect on "Laying Sod for the Future". Segment II: Evening of Light: A Special Holy Mass of Prayer, Gratitude, and Remembrance for All First Responders and for All Loved Ones Affected Through Violence at Christ Our Light Catholic Church in Chicago. Guests: Fr. David Simonetti and Officer Eric Davis.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: For the past 16 years, Fr. Medard Laz, founding pastor of Holy Family Parish in Inverness, has organized an annual fundraiser to help build homes, schools and hospital additions in Haiti. The fundraisers, in partnership with the nonprofit FOOD FOR THE POOR, took place in person throughout the Northwest suburbs until the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's fundraiser will take place virtually on September 16 and will feature a conversation with Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, the former Cub and Hall of Famer. Segment II: Todd Williamson, the director of the Office for Divine Worship, joins us to talk about a couple of upcoming Archdiocesan celebrations.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Most Blessed Trinity parish in Waukegan is "serving the people of God with a preferential option for the poor." Among the many ministries of the parish are a food pantry and a soup kitchen. Guests: Marvin Sabido; Fr. Tim O'Malley. Segment II: The Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University serves the student and surrounding communities. Guests: Fr. Bradley Zamora; Mary Deeley.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: In the U.S. and elsewhere Catholics are increasingly marrying other Christians or members of other faith traditions (Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.) These marriages provide pastoral challenges, but also gifts for our ongoing dialogue. Guests: Dan Olsen; Bridget Richardson; Daniel Richardson. Segment II: Joyce Duriga, Editor of Chicago Catholic, is the guest for the second half of the program. Joyce talks about some of the stories that were recently covered in Chicago Catholic, beginning with the funeral of slain police oficer Ella French.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Researcher, author and historian, Dr. Edward Gordon, joins Fr. Greg and Mark to talk about the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic. Segment II: Dr. Gordon stays on the program to continue talking about The Age of Faith: The Church During the Middle Ages.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Representatives of Chicago Shares give an overview of what the Chicago Shares program is. Guests: Elizabeth Kohlbeck and King Poor. Segment II: The Gateway Foundation -- Addiction and Recovery. Guests: Marc C. Turner; Gimel Tillman

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. On Saturday, August 7, 2021, the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago, in collaboration with many priests, deacons and laity from various communities, will pray together for non-violence and peace - the healong of our families, schools and communities. Guests: Deacon Alfred Coleman, Deacon LeRoy Gill, Teresa Gill

Host: Mark Teresi. Segment I: Dr. Linda Couri talks to Mark about the polarization of "traditional" and "progressive" Catholics. Segment II: Becca Siar and Fr. Tim Anastos from the St. Pope John Paul II Newman Center discuss campus ministry.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: Cardinal Blase Cupich joins us live from Rome. The Cardinal is currently at the Vatican working on a project for the Holy Father. Segment II: Joyce Duriga, Editor of Chicago Catholic, talks about her article in the latest edition of Chicago Catholic that tells the story of a strong family tradition at a Melrose Park parish. Segment III: Fr. Don Nevins, Pastor at St. Agnes of Bohemia, talks about street masses in in an effort to bring the Gospel message of peace and hope to the streets of the Little Village neighborhood.

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Institute for Pastoral Leaership at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary serves the ongoing education and formation needs of the ordained, both priests and deacons, as well as the initial and ongoing formation of the laity and vowed religious. Guest: Dr. Linda /Couri. Segment II: This year's Celebration of Mundelein event culminates this evening with a free online presentation of the 2021 Celebration of Mundelein! The broadcast will feature the presentation of the As Those Who Serve Award to Bishop Ronald Hicks, musical performances, interviews with Mundelein seminarians and more. Guests: Bishop Ron Hicks; Tonise Paul

In the first segment, hosts Vince Gerasole and Mark Teresi sit down to discuss vocations with Fr. Tim Monahan. The second half of the program our hosts will be joined by several guests to take us in-depth about a Theology on Tap program that's going on in Evanston. Segment 1: Quo Vadis Retreat Segment 2: UCYM – Theology on Tap in Evanston

Hosts: Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi. Segment I: The Long Goodbye is a ministry for men whose spouse is suffering with dementia. Guests: Deacon John Lorbach, Jim Ansley. Segment II: The Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton is coming to Chicago! The 40th annual Chesterton Conference will be in Lisle, IL this coming July 29-31. It's an in-person and a virtual event. Guest: Dale Ahlquist