Catholic radio live!

It was a kick. If you weren’t listening, too bad. You should have been. But since most of you doubtlessly weren’t listening, I’d better explain.

Catholic New World editor Tom Sheridan (left), Auxiliary Bishop John Manz and Father Esequiel Sanchez, director of Hispanic Ministry, broadcast the first “Catholic Community of Faith” radio show Oct. 20. CNW /Sandy Bertog

I’m talking about a new radio show, “Catholic Community of Faith,” presented by the Archdiocese of Chicago and hosted by none other than yours truly. The show debuted Friday, Oct. 20, and airs from 9 to 10 a.m. on WYPA (820 AM).

Hey, that’s morning drive-time … well, almost.

Sorry, but you’ll have to forgive an old newspaper hand as he gets excited about this new gig.

Actually, in the nearly 30 years I’ve been a Chicago newspaperman, I’ve done a fair share of radio and TV. But always as a guest or a commentator or a panelist. Now I get to be a host. Eat your heart out, Larry King.

By the time you read this, CCF will have two shows under its belt. And next week, Nov. 3, veteran broadcaster Father Greg Sakowicz will join the show as co-host.

The magazine-format show explores some of the exciting and important aspects of being Catholic in Chicago. The shows are live, with phone calls from listeners. The call-in number is (312) 222-9062. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.

On the first show, we talked about the strong relationship the archdiocese is building with its sister see in Mexico City. Bishop John Manz and Father Esequiel Sanchez talked about that connection and the unique pilgrimage Cardinal George is leading to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December. Doug Delaney, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, chatted about the upcoming election and the responsibility of Catholics. Nora O’Callaghan, director of the Respect Life Office, discussed the current state of pro-life affairs.

For a peek at the lineup for the Nov. 3 show, see the radio listing on Page 20.

The opportunity for the archdiocese to go live on the air came about quite suddenly, and was pulled together ably by marketing director Mike Krivich (“executive producer”), and communications manager Mary McDonough (“producer”).

“Catholic Community of Faith” is broadcast on the same frequency, 820 AM, as the now-defunct Catholic Family Radio. It will continue for the foreseeable future, until the station changes hands. After that, we hope, there may be a continuing opportunity for a Catholic radio show on another station. We’ll have to see about that. …

—Tom Sheridan,
Editor and General Manager