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.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe, Timothy Johnston and Todd Williamson discuss the rites that prepare us to enter into various parts of the celebration of the Mass. They explore the rites that prepare us at the very beginning of Mass to enter into the great Mystery of the Liturgy – the Penitential Act and the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water. They also spend time unpacking the rites that prepare us to specifically enter into the Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass.

Catholic Charities’ headquarters at 721 North LaSalle Street previously was a loving home called St. Vincent’s Orphanage. Due to the dedication of the Daughters of Charity religious order, St. Vincent’s served more than 60,000 women, children and families from 1881-1972, and our Post Adoption Services continues to welcome back all those who spent time there as infants, parents, staff, and volunteers. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Pat Conway and Lisa Francis to discuss the journey many adults embark on to learn more about their heritage, and the upcoming St. Vincent’s Reunion.

The Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program run by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services to provide paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development. Catholic Charities is an authorized agent, working with a non-profit called Future Ties to enrich the lives of 60 participants in this program. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Johnita Lindsey and Jennifer Maddox to discuss all of the progress made in the Chicago Youth Service Corps since it was started in 2020.

Mr. Samuel Grimes worked for 25 years as a volunteer, then an employee for Catholic Charities. He served as a driver, bringing noontime meals to homebound seniors in the northwest suburbs. Each visit also served as a Wellness Check, and Mr. Grimes was known for caring deeply about the seniors on his route, going above and beyond his responsibilities to brighten their day and extend kindness and assistance to them. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Mr. Samuel Grimes, and Catholic Charities staff members Donna Schultz and Spencer Harstead to celebrate and thank this exceptional volunteer.

Dr. Edward Gordon gives an update on where things stand with the Covid-19 pandemic, health care issues, and the economy.

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 today’s program is Iconographer Joseph Malham.

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 today’s program is Marlene Byrne.

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

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.