ROCKFORD—The Diocese of Rockford began airing a new program for the Year of Mercy on WREX-TV Channel 13, here,  Feb. 21 at 6 a.m.

The new program replaces Real Faith TV, which had been broadcast Sunday mornings before the weekly 6:30 a.m. Catholic Mass produced by the Rockford Diocese.  

“You Did It To Me” is a five-part miniseries featuring Father Michael Gaitley, MIC,  director of evangelization and development in the Diocese of Stockbridge, Mass, and frequent contributor to the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).  

The series is designed to guide Catholics in this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

“We are very pleased to bring this timely program to television viewers in the northern Illinois area,” said Penny Wiegert diocesan director of communication.

“The program is sure to appeal to many people whether they are Catholic or not. I am so grateful to EWTN for sharing this engaging and inspirational programming and for our partnership with WREX in making it possible,” she said.

Area Catholics may be familiar with Father Gaitley for talks on evangelization hosted in some parishes throughout the Rockford Diocese.

Most recently, he spoke at the McHenry County Breakfast Youth Rally at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock on Nov. 6 and the breakfast itself, Nov. 7.

He is also scheduled to speak at Mundelein Seminiary over Labor Day weekend in September.

Father Gaitley, MIC, is a member of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Prior to his ordination to the priesthood, he received a master’s degree in theology and a licentiate degree in moral theology.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Father Gaitely succeeded Father Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, as the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, a spiritual benefit society with more than 1 million members.

As director, he has launched a pastoral initiative called Hearts Afire: Parish-based Programs for the New Evangelization (HAPP).

He is also the author of the best-selling Marian Press books, “Consoling the Heart of Jesus,” “33 Days to Morning Glory,” “The ‘One Thing Is Three,” “You Did It To Me,” “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told,” “Divine Mercy Image Explained,” and “Divine Mercy Explained.”

He frequently appears on EWTN and preaches retreats throughout the country on topics such as Divine Mercy, consoling spirituality, and Marian consecration.

When he is not preaching missions and retreats, Father Gaitely lives and works on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.