Diakonia: A Call to Service

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic are joined by Deacon Tom Lambert to discuss mental illness and loneliness.

Deacon Richard Hudzik, Director of Ongoing Formation for the Permanent Diaconate discusses the baptismal call and how to effectively live daily as Priest, Prophet and King.

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik take a look back at the year 2023 and talk about what highlights stood out for them, and discuss their hopes for 2024.

Doctor Tom Sullivan, DDS, is an accomplished medical practitioner in the Chicago area, a pastoral musician, a medical missionary, leader of the parish men's club, and a member of the parish council, among other activities. The conversation with Dr. Sullivan inquires as to the meaning of living the Christian life fully and how he responds to the "universal call to holiness."

Deacon Tom Lambert from the Chicago Archdiocese Commission on mental illness discusses the challenges many have during the advent and Christmas season, as well as, how we can support them during this season of expectation and joy.

Deacon Joe Winblad and Deacon John and Vidmar share their experiences and blessings, leading Hope’s On The Way serving as second responders helping people rebuild their lives after natural disasters and organizations restore their physical spaces to deliver their mission.

Deacon Christopher Weiland, Director of Campus Ministry at Benet Academy shares his experiences and perspectives on youth ministry and youth evangelization

Dcn. Christopher Weiland, Director of Campus Ministry at Benet Academy shares his and his students perspectives and experiences of World Youth Day.

Ted Wampham, Dean of the school of Parish Leadership and Evangelization at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake shares his background and how the changes occurring at the University will help build a renewed Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik continue their discussion bout Companions of Christ.

Deacons James Norman, Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik talk about Companions of Christ.

Deacon James Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic invited 3 of the members of the newly formed Diaconate Woman's Committee to discuss the role of the new committee in the Diaconate. Guests: Joan Weiss, Pam Carlson, Laura Georgen

Part 2 of a discussion started the previous episode

Join Deacons Dave Brencic and Richard Hudzik as they discuss “Creating a Rule of Life” with spiritual director Tiffani Boerio. So often, we have the best of intentions in our desire to engage in a more consistent pattern of devotion, prayer and conversation with God. However, too often, we get distracted and fail in follow-through. In this helpful discussion, the deacons learn from the show’s guest Tiffani Boerio some ideas to persevere in our efforts to open ourselves to God’s abiding love. Included in the show is an introduction to Tiffani’s website www.quotidianjoy.com

Father Michael Zaniolo, Director and Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Chicago airport ministries will discuss the joys and challenges of serving God’s people on the move at O’Hare and Midway Airports. He explains through stories what it means to teach and witness to the word of God and to serve his people by fostering growth and renewal through prayer, study and Christian service for airport personnel and travelers.

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Richard Hudzik about his podcast ministry.

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Deacon Richard Hudzik about his podcast ministry.

Deacons James Norman and Dave Brencic talk with Fr. Kevin Feeney about the Joseph and Mary Retreat House in Mundelein.

Michael Waters and Chris Torres, Regional Directors for Catholic Charities share current and future changes within Catholic Charities to meet the new and emerging needs in the Archdiocese of Chicago. They will discuss their efforts to increase collaboration and partnership with Parishes in Chicago and the suburbs.

Deacon Tom Lambert and Tracy Sherva with the Chicago Archdiocese Commission on Mental Illness share with Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic the challenges of mental illness ministry and how some parishes in the archdiocese are working together to increase awareness in their communities.

Fr. Jason Malave, the Cardinal’s liaison for Renew My Church, discusses the Spiritual Renewal required to create vibrant and sustainable parishes. After seven years of structural change, Fr. Jason share the steps that are being taken as disciples of Christ to create a spiritual renewal within our parishes and the Archdiocese.

Deacon Adam Danielewicz and his wife, Annette, share their experiences leading religious education at Saint Daniel the Prophet for more than 14 years on the southside of Chicago. They discuss the challenges and the highlights in teaching children of all ages about God and the faith.

Fr. Ed Salmon, Vicar Emeritus of the Diaconate, shares the history of the permanent diaconate in the Archdiocese of Chicago. How it all began and how it has evolved. Fr. Ed offers his advice to the new Vicar for Deacons, the newly ordained and experienced deacons on what is required to move forward as Christ calls us to Renew His Church.

Deacon Max Montalvo of Our Lady of Charity Parish in Cicero,IL discusses his involvement in three important ministries: preparing children to receive the sacrament of confirmation, working with parents in the Pan de Vida Program and working as a couple with his wife with other married couples to bring them closer to Christ and His Church.

On the August 4, 2022 co-hosts Deacon Jim Norman and Deacon Dave Brencic welcome Deacon James Maslanka and his wife, Jonalee Maslanka. Deacon James and Jonalee received the 2022 Diaconate Shared Ministry Award. During the broadcast, the couple share how they used devotions to bring parishioners of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish back to the church at the height of the pandemic. They give advice on how others could use devotions to unite and inspire a parish community. They explain how devotions brought the parish closer together and how they hope devotions will create a foundation for the new united parish of Holy Name of Mary, St. John de laSalle, and Ss. Peter & Paul on the Far Southside of Chicago. If anyone has questions or is interested in learning more about how to begin renewing/initiating devotions at their parish you can contact Deacon James and Jonalee Maslanka by email: [email protected]

Deacon Leroy Gil, founder and organizer of the Black Deacons’ Sunrise Prayer Service, explains how the Sunrise Prayer Service was established to pray for peace, as well as, the highlights over the last 13 years of the event. He shares his excitement for the upcoming Sunrise Prayer Service which will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022. This year the Sunrise Prayer Service has been expanded in collaboration with Our Lady of Africa Parish and the Black Catholic Initiative (BCI) to include a Peace Fellowship Breakfast and Peace Symposium to promote peace in a city plagued by violence.

On the July 7, 2022 broadcast co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic introduce the new Vicar for Deacons, Deacon James Norman, who will have assumed office on July 1. The conversation considers change, managing a busy life and the hope for all of us to grow closer to Our Lord. The invitation is extended to everyone to pray for a right ordering and healthy prioritization in all of our different tasks. By managing what we do we will find the ability to say yes to what is important.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Director of the Joliet Diaconate, who walks through the highlights of his new book, Discovering Christ the Servant: A Spirituality of Service. Deacon Dominic explains how the servanthood of Christ, which animates what a deacon does, is a servanthood all Christians are called to. This is liberating good news, as well as a challenge—all Christians, lay and ordained, are called to enact in every situation their identities as disciples of Jesus.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two of their brother deacons from the Diocese of Joliet. Joining the show are Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Director of the Joliet Diaconate, and Deacon Victor Puscas, Director of Deacon Formation for the Joliet Diocese. Listen in as the four deacons talk about commonalities between the two diaconates, as well as encourage all the baptized to focus their own lives on emulating Christ the Servant. It is the servanthood of Christ that animates what a deacon does and this servanthood is something all Christians are called to.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Monsignor John Canary, Chicago priest, holder of many honors and offices in the Archdiocese of Chicago and currently Director of the Archdiocese’s Joseph and Mary Retreat House. Listen in as Monsignor Canary discusses what a retreat is, how it helps us in our walk with the Lord and how one can seek to receive the benefits of a retreat even while we stay at home. Also, Monsignor Canary identifies the different kinds of retreats and, in a few concluding minutes, begins a conversation on the spirituality of St. John of the Cross. The website for Joseph and Mary Retreat House is www.josephandmaryretreat.org.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic for their fascinating conversation with Deacon Thomas Biegel, Coordinator of the Archdiocesan Office of Spiritual Healing Ministry. Deacon Tom describes the work of his office, what healing is, what might need to be healed (and it is more than the physical) and how our Faith and its sacraments are essential for the path to wholeness. Deacon Tom relates how people can contact his office and how the office is able to respond. Distinctions among healing, deliverance, oppression or possession are offered to help in thinking more clearly about the fullness of Christ’s peace. The website for the Office of Healing Ministry is https://www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/spiritual-healing-ministry.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Vince Gerasole, the Director of Multimedia Content for the Archdiocese of Chicago. In this role, Vince brings to bear his many years of experience in broadcast journalism, as reporter, anchor and commentator and does this so that he might participate in bringing the Good News of the Church to as wide an audience as possible. Listen in (or watch on YouTube) as Vince describes the successes that the Archdiocese’s media efforts have achieved. Particularly in this pandemic era, sharing the news so as to reach those who cannot gather in person has been immensely valuable. Also, hear from Vince how social media shares in the evangelizing effort of the Church in Chicago. By having a broad presence in both established and new forms of communication, the Church is able to speak across the generations and situations. All need to hear the saving message of Jesus. What helps is to winsomely communicate that.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Dawn Fitzpatrick, Senior Coordinator for Respect Life and Chastity Education in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s in the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity. Dawn is a return visitor to the show and, in this month’s edition, she offers her insights on current Supreme Court litigation over both the Mississippi state law restricting abortion after fifteen weeks and Texas’ “Heartbeat Law.” Further, Dawn highlights efforts locally for the January observances of supporting life. Among local resources, Dawn points the audience to the Chicago March for Life (marchforlifechicago.org/) and to her office’s website (respectlifechicago.org). Either website will get you the information you need to register for the Chicago events supporting life in Illinois.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with Deacon Dan Welter. Deacon Dan, an Archdiocese of Chicago deacon, has an interesting resume. He is not only a retired Cook County judge, current Chancellor, but he also serves as a department store Santa Claus. We will talk with Deacon Dan about the good news he has seen in the department store—where he serves not only the children, but the parents and the store employees as well. To conclude the conversation, to show another dimension of Deacon Dan, we talk with about his duties as Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Chicago—who and what a chancellor is and does.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two well-known figures in the Archdiocese of Chicago—Father Larry Sullivan, Director of the Archdiocese Cemetery System, and Todd Williamson, Director of the Archdiocese Office for Divine Worship. The four conversation partners offer ideas about how to honor our dead and pray throughout the month of November. Family-friendly tips on how to revere our past and pray in the present and how to bring children into this process were discussed. Also, our two guests brought to light some of the highlights of what the Archdiocese’s cemetery system has to offer all of us.

What is “the universal call to holiness” and how does it apply to the clergy and everyday Catholics? Hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic are joined by Deacons James Sponder, chairman of the Diaconate Council, and Deacon Bob Thomas, chairman of the Diaconate’s St. Francis Dinner, who will discuss how we as a people can become holy. One concrete way is supporting the good work of charities, which the Diaconate Council will be doing with its upcoming St. Francis Dinner.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic in their conversation with two deacons who were ordained for the Archdiocese in September of 2020. The two new deacons were Deacon Ed Schipp, assigned to Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish, and Deacon Chris Parker, assigned to St. Barnabas Parish. The conversation seeks to understand what the “fresh eyes” of a new deacon might see, whether they were surprised with anything, and whether they felt they were able to share the Good News. These are two men who are on fire with the Lord. It is hoped that their ministry might inspire every Christian, ordained or not.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic as they explore what some might find to be a strange, even macabre, topic. However, this show’s guest, Chicago Deacon David Keene, PhD, fills us in on the purpose of exhumations, why it is done in connection with persons who are being investigated for sainthood and what it means to have a body that is “incorrupt.” Deacon Keene brings his academic training in historical archaeology to bear on making sense of this topic. Deacon Keene also addresses the spiritual dimensions of what it means to participate in an exhumation. There is a connection with the dead, with their history and their dignity that moves all who participate and observe what is actually a prayerful experience.

Join Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic as they explore the good work of NPH—Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos—a child welfare charity that serves children and their communities in Central and South America and in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In this episode of Diakonia—A Call to Service—NPH’s chief executive officer, John Deinhart, and the US Midwest Region Director, Chuck Allworth, explain the who, what, where and why of this ministry of education, healthcare, nutrition and nurturance for some of our “least brothers and sisters” (think of Matthew 25:40). Learn how you can support this good work of NPH, how you might connect your own parish to their ministry—all of that is available to you at the NPH website at www.nphusa.org. Information on how to contact either John Deinhart or Chuck Allworth is also available at that website. NPH has a stirring story of caring for our vulnerable brothers and sisters.

Co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interviewed two individuals who have a heart for responding to those in our communities who are facing economic or other stresses of life—those who need food, clothing, shelter, or help with utility bills, or employment. Chicago Deacon Jesse Blanco and Mr. Michael Syslo, vice-president of the Archdiocese of Chicago St. Vincent de Paul Society, spoke about the organization of the Society, its spiritual history in the charism of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, as well as the current work of the more than ninety parishes in the Archdiocese with active St. Vincent de Paul groups. Deacon Jesse spoke of his transformative experiences as spiritual guide for the Society at St. Frances of Rome, as well as in nearby parishes. Further information about what the Society does and how you might help can be found at national entity’s website www.ssvpusa.org or from your parish’s local chapter.

Co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interviewed two individuals who have a heart for responding to those in our community who are risking or experiencing homelessness. Chicago Deacon Bob Conlin spoke about his experience of serving clients of South Suburban PADS. Additional information about PADS can be found at www.sspads.org. The other guest for the show was Tina Rounds, executive director of BEDS Plus. This organization, like PADS, also provides shelter, together with a variety of ancillary services that address situations that might precipitate being homeless or in need of temporary shelter. Information for BEDS can be found at www.beds-plus.org. Long story made short—as we welcome the stranger, we find that there is more to the response to homelessness than simply providing a temporary place to stay.

In today’s show, co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interview Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Dan Coughlin. Deacon Dan was recently appointed to serve at the Cardinal’s liaison to the Archdiocese’s lay ecclesial communities. The conversation explores what these movements are, why they are a blessing to the Church and how one might find out more about these groups. Some are well-known in Chicago—the Cursillo, the Charismatic Renewal Movement, Regnum Christi, Focolare, Escuela de la Cruz and many others. The movements, associations of lay people who seek to enter more deeply into their faith and be committed to life in the Church, are concrete instances of the Holy Spirit alive and converting us ever deeper. Information about these communities are on the Archdiocese’s website at https://www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/lay-ecclesial-movements

In today’s show, co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interview Archdiocese of Chicago Deacon Keith Strohm. An important part of Deacon Strohm’s ministry is work in parishes across the United States to encourage people’s conversion into becoming missionary disciples. That is, through parish missions, retreats, workshops, parish staff development sessions, Deacon Strohm encourages and instructs fellow Christians to see how beautiful and rich life in Christ is—more beautiful and richer than we often imagine. At the deacon’s website that hosts his M3 Catholic Ministries, you can find wonderful resources to acquaint yourself with not only the work of M3 Catholic Ministries but also to lift yourself up, with the grace of God, into becoming missionary disciples, alive in the Spirit and passionate to share the Good News. The website is at www.m3catholic.com.

In today’s show, co-hosts Deacon Richard Hudzik and Deacon Dave Brencic interview Connie Rakitan of Faith and Fellowship, as well as Deacon Al Sedivy. Both guests address ministerial outreach to those who endure mental illness, together with those who accompany and love those so afflicted. Both initiatives are connected with the Archdiocese’s Commission on Mental Illness. The origins of Faith and Fellowship, its present course and outreach are explained. In a word or two that doesn’t do justice to what they do, Faith and Fellowship is a way for those with mental illness to be accompanied in seeing their experiences as part of everyone’s walk with the Lord. Loving support, companionship and talk about our Faith is offered in structured small groups. For information about Faith and Fellowship, you can email [email protected] or call 708.383.9276 or go to the website at www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/persons-with-disabilities. The other initiative, Moving Forward in Hope, was outlined by Deacon Al Sedivy. These monthly Zoom meetings are ways for family and those with mental illness to pray together for one hour one day a month. People are able to register on a monthly basis to join the conversation and prayer. A Scripture passage is chosen and discussed in small break-out groups. No prior experience with Scripture is expected. The only requirement is to have an open heart and a willingness to at least listen to others pray and reflect. The meetings are on the fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 PM. You can register by emailing Deacon Tom Lambert at [email protected] or using the contact information for the Archdiocesan Commission on Mental Illness at www.archchicago.org/offices-and-ministries/persons-with-disabilities

Confronting the challenges of dislocation caused by addiction, compounded oftentimes by homelessness and violence, women who have made it through substance abuse detoxification have miles to go before they are home again—home again both literally and spiritually. In today’s conversation, co-hosts Deacon Dave Brencic and Deacon Richard Hudzik speak with Deacon Peter Brown who serves as board treasurer of a frontline ministry of a non-profit known as Southside Center of Hope. Joining from the Southside Center’s staff is Katherine Newman who is development and communications coordinator. Listen in to how this Woodlawn area residence helps recovering women get their feet back on the ground, find work, peace, sobriety and a place to live. Details about the Southside Center of Hope can be found at https://www.southsidecenterofhope.org/. Also, if you have questions, you can call Katherine Newman at the Center at 773.643.5843. It is an inspiring story and one that would be delighted with your help.

Notwithstanding the challenges of COVID-19, the response to natural disasters continues. Join today’s host Deacon Dave Brencic, as he is joined by co-host Deacon Richard Hudzik. They discuss the outreach known as Hope’s On the Way with Chicago Deacons Joe Winblad and John Vidmar, both of whom are deeply involved in serving through Hope’s On the Way. This ministry provides both hands-on assistance in rebuilding those devastated by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters, as well as gathering and shipping cleaning and building supplies to affected areas of the United States, as well as serving locally in the Archdiocese. The deacons and lay people joining together in this work truly put into action the responses to Jesus’ question, “did you visit me when I was afflicted?” You can learn more about Hope’s On the Way, how to participate, and, if able, how to donate by going to their website www.HopesOnTheWay.org. Hope’s On the Way is a ministry that is financially assisted in its ministry by the Archdiocese’s Diaconate Council. Nevertheless, the need remains great.

The November 12, 2020 broadcast has co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discussing an Illinois-based ministry, Nourish for Caregivers, that provides Christ-centered wisdom to assist those who care for others. Joining in the conversation are the two founders of Nourish for Caregivers, Deb Kelsey-Davis and Kelly Johnson, along with one of their board members, Chicago Deacon Mike Fekete. Deb and Kelly explore with the listeners how community, prayer, as well as practical advice will do much to assist those who give care to others at home. In these days, more and more of us find ourselves caring for aging parents, ailing spouses or children. Who can help those who give this care, often quite demanding and never-ending? Look to www.nourishforcaregivers.com. Also, take a look at the recently-released book of practical and spiritual helps from Deb and Kelly—The Caregiver’s Companion: A Christ-Centered Journal to Nourish Your Soul. Available online and elsewhere.

Deacons Dennis Robak and James Norman, who are both employed by the Archdiocese of Chicago, join co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic on the October 1, 2020 broadcast for a discussion on the spiritual value of work. The deacons explore the meaning, purpose and theology of work, how it ties into Catholic Social Teaching and how attitudes shape our views of the kind of work we’re doing. Tune into this conversation to learn how everyone’s seemingly “ordinary” work can really be participating in the creative work of God.

The September 3, 2020 broadcast has co-hosts Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic discussing charismatic prayer with Deacon Lou and Ann Riccio. The Riccios have been part of the charismatic movement for many years. They share the wisdom, the experiences and the blessings they have received in connection with prayer submitted to and wholly guided by the Holy Spirit. This is a terrific introduction to the Catholic understanding of charismatic prayer. A wealth of resources is also available at the Archdiocese’s Charismatic Renewal website--http://chicagorenewal.org/.

The August 6, 2020 broadcast brings Deacons Richard Hudzik and Dave Brencic speaking again with Jonn Blazey and Deacon Peter Letourneau about the work of Emmaus Ministries. This is a second show exploring Emmaus, where we look at both the ecumenical faith dimension of the work and how vitally the ministry enacts all of spiritual and corporal works of mercy. This ministry, started over thirty years ago by Chicago Deacon John Green, is a ministry of presence and accompaniment to men, typically young men, who are exploited sexually. In a difficult conversation about reaching out, companioning, as well as leading men to a better lifestyle, both Jonn and Peter reflect on how even the most outcast bear the image of Christ. The discussion includes looking at who these young men are, why they are doing what they are doing and what hope there might be for them. More information about Emmaus Ministries can be found at www.streets.org.