Catholic FOCUS:

FOCUS is a Catholic current affairs program that examines issues affecting the Church and our society. To date, over 200 episodes have been produced tackling topics such as The Stem Cell question, The Catholic Church and AIDS, Islamic-Catholic Relations and much more. Tune in daily at 7:05pm (following ZOOM) for a half hour of thought provoking programming.

Coming up on FOCUS:

Helping Hands Near and Far
Host: Michèle Nuzzo
Tuesday August 26, 2008, with an encore presentation Saturday August 30, 2008

Is it possible to make a difference in this world, even if it's a small one? Hear the stories of Canadians who have left the comforts of home or worked in their own schools to make a difference in the lives of poverty-stricken families.

Thou Shalt Not Kill
Host: John Ignatowicz
Wednesday August 27, 2008

The death penalty was repealed in Canada 30 years ago, but it exists in many countries such as the United States. Join host John Ignatowicz as he interviews Sister Helen Prejean and others in this Catholic Focus.

Catholic Educators: Celebrating Their Faith, Looking to the Future
Host: Matthew Harrison
Thursday August 28, 2008, with an encore presentation Sunday August 31, 2008

In Ontario we often take for granted our Catholic public education, and in recent times it has become increasingly apparent that this system will face many challenges in the future. What are these future challenges? What is it that makes the Catholic public education system distinct? What are the responsibilities of a Catholic educator? What are the responsibilities of parents? We explore these questions at an Ontario Catholic school board’s Faith Day, where seven thousand staff members gathered to celebrate, reflect and learn about their faith.

Taking Twelve Steps
Host: Gillian Kantor
Friday August 29, 2008

We expect our clergy to be healthy, holy servants of God. But even they can succumb to addictions. On this Focus, we hear the stories of religious suffering from addictions and their hope to rise again.

Habitat for Humanity
Host: Pedro Guevara Mann
Tuesday September 2, 2008, with an encore presentation Saturday September 6, 2008

Pedro sits with Habitat for humanity -Toronto, CEO, Neil Hetherington and with Habitat supporter, Warren Spitz, President and CEO or Upper Canada Products, to look at how this organization offers a new approach to the concept of home-ownership.

Catholic Media
Host: Alicia Ambrosio
Wednesday September 3, 2008, with an encore presentation Sunday September 7, 2008

This episode explores the role Catholic media play in the world and in the Church, the challenges Catholic media face, and how it’s changing to attract the younger generation. Alicia talks to Cardinal John Foley, John Allen Jr., Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi, as well as Joe Sinasac among others.

Gender Roles
Host: David Naglieri and Mary Rose Bacani
Thursday September 4, 2008

How has the role of men and women in society changed in recent years? What should be the attitude of Catholics in the face of the feminist movement? Join David Naglieri and Mary Rose Bacani as they discuss this burning issue with popular theologian, author and media commentator Pia de Solenni.

Bringing Depression to Light
Host: Kris Dmytrenko
Friday September 5, 2008

Depression has shaken our families and our churches. Where is God in this darkness? In an S+L exclusive interview, Vancouver’s Archbishop Roussin reveals his own battle with depression.

Archbishop Sheen
Host: David Naglieri
Tuesday September 9, 2008, with an encore presentation Saturday September 13, 2008

Archbishop Collins of Toronto joins host David Naglieri in a candid and insightful discussion on the impact and life of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Freedom of Speech
Host: Kris Dmytrenko
Wednesday September 10, 2008

As student associations conspire to ban the pro-life message, are universities losing their reputation as staunch defenders of free speech? Kris Dmytrenko reveals exclusive footage from Carleton’s pro-life ban and interviews ethicist Margaret Somerville.

The World Youth Alliance
Host: Michèle Nuzzo
Thursday September 11, 2008, with an encore presentation Sunday September 14, 2008

Can youth make an impact on the global scale? Meet an inspiring coalition of young people who for 10 years have maintained a permanent presence at the United Nations, promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth of all nations.

Aging Gracefully
Host: Gillian Kantor
Friday September 12, 2008

Catholic Focus explores some of the options for caring for our aging relatives and friends. Features include a visit to a Catholic Retirement Home and to a family providing in-home care.

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