Catholic Chicago

Catholic Charities is always thankful for the time and generosity that volunteers offer in support of our mission. When teenagers and their families create and implement an innovative, new program to assist our guests, we are especially impressed, and grateful. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Perry Harig, Nick Bobay, Leo Baumann, Jen Bobay, Laura Trevino and Rose Marie Lesniak Mendez to discuss the impact that the Sandwich Squad has had at Catholic Charities over the past four years.

Deacon David Keene is a canon lawyer who serves as chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, but he also holds a doctorate in archeology and is an expert in the exhumation of human remains. Before he retired, federal, state, county and local officials regularly called him when remains were found and needed to be preserved or relocated.

The archdiocese called on him to conduct the exhumation of the remains of Venerable Father Augustus Tolton in 2016. He also led the 2021 exhumation of Father Patrick Ryan, whose canonization cause is underway in the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee.

He recently sat down with editor Joyce Duriga to talk about the church’s history of preserving relics of saints and the exhumation of Father Tolton.

Lectura y reflexión del Evangelio según San Mateo 18, 21-35, del domingo, 17 de septiembre 2023. Viernes, 15 de agosto de 2023

This month Megan meets Fr. Pontian Kaweesa, the National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies in Uganda, and a priest of the Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana. He has a local connection in Chicago because he studied at Mundelein Seminary. He tells Megan about the deep and vibrant faith of the people and he shares a little of the history and the present work of the Church to build peace and dignity for God's people. He also reflects on the work of mission and how every one of us is called to be missionary disciples.

Catholic Charities’ parish and school partners have come together in recent days in a wonderful Back to School Project. Nearly 1,800 new backpacks were donated, filled with essential school supplies and distributed to students in economically vulnerable families who can now start the new school year with tools they need for academic success. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Christopher Torres, Peggy Johnson, and Julia Burkhardt to discuss this and other ways Catholic Charities continues to expand its outreach in communities across Cook and Lake counties.

Today on Fully Alive, Ray Pingoy is joined in by Mauro Pineda and Peter Duff to talk about the National Migration Week and the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Our Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children and victims and survivors of human trafficking.

The second segment of the show highlights the upcoming Respect Life Month. Our guest, Maria Goldstein, has been championing the Respect Life message in her parish. She shares many ideas with us as we prepare for the upcoming Respect Life Month in October. Let us continue to build up a Culture of Life!

In today’s Dare to Love, the first segment presents a video interview with Liz Hughes, Executive Director of Franciscan Misson Service (FMS) who talks about the history and purpose of FMS, their programs, and the people of all ages involved in FMS. The second segment is a tribute to the memory of Fr. Mike Scherschel who served as pastor for St. Hubert’s and St. Matthew until he passed away on August 10. Fr. Mike was a member of the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA) for many years, most of which he served as a CAVA Board member. Sr. Lovina, along with guests Br. John Eustice, CSV, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, and Sr. Michele Fisher, CSFN (via a recorded video clip) share some words to honor their friend and colleague on behalf of CAVA.

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.