CHICAGO (March 7, 2005) – John Morales, network correspondent for Relevant Radio 820 AM, a nationwide Catholic radio network whose stated goal is “bridging the gap between faith and everyday life,” will be the keynote speaker during a Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, March 12, at 8 a.m. in St. Joseph Parish’s James Sayers Hall, 17951 Dixie Highway, Homewood. Morales will develop the topic, “From Wrigley Field to the Vatican,” as part of the morning’s theme of “Spring Training for Your Soul.”

Most Reverend Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, who founded the prayer breakfast’s sponsoring group, Catholic Men of Chicago Southland, to support contemporary Catholic men in their spiritual development, will address the men. Fr. Joseph Noonan, Director of Priest Vocations for the Archdiocese of Chicago, will also make a presentation.

According to the organizers of the prayer breakfast, this event, involving 12 parishes, is just the beginning of what is hoped will be greatly expanded efforts to encourage, motivate, challenge and support men throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. Catholic Men of Chicago Southland will host similar breakfasts in the future and encourage participation throughout the Archdiocese. They will also assist parishes that choose to establish their own programs.

A Chicago native, Morales has worked for Fox Sports Net Chicago, WJBK-TVFox 2 Detroit, and KTRK-TV in Houston. He reported Notre Dame football games for WMAQ-AM and served as a producer and weekend sports anchor for WBBM-AM radio.

His broadcasting career has focused on religious reporting and evangelization. Morales has reported on stories from Rome; shared his insights on sports and faith with interviews on Christian athletes; and shared his own faith journey as a guest on Catholic radio and television programs.