Catholic Chicago

This month On the Way focuses on the seasons which are upon us, Thanksgiving and Advent.  In this episode, host Beth White was joined by Michelle Shaffer, Associate Director of the Institute for Lay Formation at University of Saint Mary of the Lake. Michelle and Beth discussed gratitude as we look towards Thanksgiving in the midst of a pandemic. Michelle shared some research about how gratitude is incredibly beneficial for us psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Even though these are really hard and challenging times for all of us, it is important that we find a few things each day for which we can be grateful.  

This month On the Way focuses on the seasons which are upon us, Thanksgiving and Advent.  In this episode, host Beth White speaks with Kevin Pease, director of Loyola University’s IPS Scripture School to discuss an upcoming Advent Retreat, “When They Saw the Star,” that is available to everyone for free. The retreat takes place over three weeks – two hours a week – on Zoom. For more information visit here. Kevin also shared about how to get involved with the IPS Scripture School.

Sister Elizabeth Ann Guerrero, MCDP, Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence, Talks about the “Weaving Cultures” (“Entrelezando Culturas”) program based on going beyond the theory of intercultural relationships as Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.Ss.P explains, “living interculturally goes beyond mixing people of different cultures to live together and maybe letting each person cook an authentic meal from their culture once a month. It’s a mutual, authentic and intentional exchange between people. One where we break down the barriers not the differences.”

To find out more, visit: https://maccsa.org/responding-to-the-signs-of-our-time/

Sister Ann T. Oestreich, IHM, reports that the Catholic Sisters curriculum has been completed. “Called and Consecrated is a bilingual online curriculum designed for use with middle and high school students. Units cover what sisters do, how sisters pray, how sisters are called, and more. Llamadas y Consagradas: Explorando las Vidas de las Religiosas: El plan de estudio en línea está diseñado para ser usado con estudiantes de escuela primaria y preparatoria. Las lecciones cubren lo que hacen las Hermanas, cómo oran, cómo es su llamada y más. Visit here: https://nationalcatholicsistersproject.org/Curriculum

Host Bob Gilligan talks to David Spotanski, COO for the Archdiocese of Atlanta and right-hand man for Archbishop Wilton Gregory during his time in Belleville and Atlanta.  They talk about the Archbishop's elevation to America's first African-American cardinal later this month. 

Host Bob Gilligan talks to Kent Redfield, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois, Springfield.  They tallied the dizzying amount of money spent on the "fair tax" ballot initiative, the retention bid of an Illinois Supreme Court justice, and targeted legislative races. 

Host Bob Gilligan speaks with Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University.  They talk about how Catholics voted in the 2020 presidential election.

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.

Megan talks with Sr. Mary Paul Asoegwu, Daughter of Divine Love and Director of Development Ministry, and Fr. Stan Chu Ilo, Research Professor of World Christianity at DePaul University. They discuss this challenging year with a global pandemic, deep-seated social issues such as racism and now a national election. What is the mission we have been called to in this time? Sr. Mary Paul and Fr. Stan present two ways Catholics can respond: World Mission Sunday and Pope Francis' new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship. 

A historian and professor shares his thoughts on the controversy surrounding the recent movement to remove statues of historical figures from public spaces.  

The theology of the Office of Bishop is discussed on Focus on the Liturgy.

And Non-Violence Works, a non-profit organization that offers education and training in character development and non-violence is highlighted.

Hosts Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Mark Teresi speak with guests Elfreide Wedam, Larry Campbell, and Phil Bradley about Non-Violence Works, a non-profit organization that focuses on violence prevention in our homes, neighborhoods and wider community.