Dr. Joseph Schmidt, President of St. Patrick High School, will tell us of his faith journey. Hear how he joined, and remained at St. Pat’s for 46 years, under providential circumstances. Hear of his St. Pat mentors, including his greatest mentor, his wife Lynn. Hear his deep loss upon Lynn’s death. Hear Lynn’s message to Joe, and to all, at Lynn’s funeral.
Mary Jo DiRe, Volunteer, Co-coordinator of the Sunday Supper Program, will tell a journey of how an attempt to establish a PADS homeless shelter in Park Ridge led to the formation of a community-wide effort to feed the hungry. Hear the story of how a challenging time in our community led to creation of a positive and thriving ministry that serves the less fortunate and how her own faith journey became intertwined with that process. Mary Jo will speak about being open to God’s will and the goal of bringing compassion and love to “our little corner of the world.”
Sean Bourke, a Retail Sales Strategist, will tell us of his journey back to God over the last two years. Hear the effect that his wife, Rene’e, had on Sean. Hear Sean tell us of his formation and his desire to give back for all that he has received. Hear the turn Sean’s professional journey has taken that opens his heart. Hear practical tips on opening up a retail establishment.
Dave Dora is a recently retired Senior Operations Manager, Mentor and involved parishioner. Dave applies his faith in his work and in his commitment to mentoring others by abandoning himself to the Holy Spirit. He speaks of his faith journey, and its application when, during the recession, he was responsible for managing two major corporate down sizing’s.
Dina Luke is a wife and mother of six, and an active parishioner of St. Edward’s. She shares her faith story of being a Disciple of Christ through two conversions, one to the Church and other after her marriage. Dina describes, thru the eyes of a wife and mother, how the light of God’s love and wisdom drives her to serve others with no reservations.
Sr. Sue Dunning, C.S.J. has been a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange for 33 years and currently is the San Felipe de Jesus Minister of Faith Formation and Religious Education. Early in her religious life she felt a call from God to serve the poor of Mexico. For 15 years, she lived with and served the Mexican people of Guaymas, Sonora and Tijuana, Baja, CA. She has a love and passion for serving the poor and is actively involved with the homeless in Orange. In parish ministry, she shares her love of people and talents of music, dance and spirituality in a variety of ways.
Martha Rodriguez is an Adult Caregiver and active parish volunteer at San Felipe de Jesus. Martha describes her faith journey from a “reluctant” RCIA leader to an involved person who simply trusts the Lord. This trust has led her to be active in her church and to focus her work life on service to others. She describes her moving from concern about “having” to focusing on “giving.”
Donna Couch is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Edward. She is an accomplished author and also has experience as a retreat guide, master catechist and college professor. Donna will discuss her return to the faith and how that pathway unexpectedly became the center of her life’s work. She will suggest ways to grow spiritually while balancing the needs of family.
Paul Sampson is a retired marketing executive of a Fortune 500 Company, and head of the Parish’s Knights of Columbus. Paul will share stories about how his parents laid the foundation of his Catholic faith and how that faith manifested itself in his day-to-day decision making within his work life. As he moved up the corporate ladder he helped to create a positive environment for all employees, never forgetting the “little person” and making sure to look out for them. He also sought help and guidance from his faith as he made multiple geographic moves with his family.
