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.

Raymond Pusczan, structural engineer and veteran of 45 years in engineering projects, now retired, will tell us a real life story of workplace intimidation and his response as a Catholic. Hear this unique story of God at work in his heart and its effective outcome. Hear God’s blessings of faith throughout his career in a field of high turnover and never missing a paycheck. Hear wisdom tips: staying current in an ever changing field, working the hours you want vs. the hours needed to meet a deadline, and taking advantage of the sacraments especially mass.

Rene’e Bourke, a Speech Language Pathologist, will share a story of a breakthrough with one of her clients. Hear the humility she felt when she learned of an outcome that made her grateful to God. Hear tips learned from this professional working in special education that we all can use. For example, her job situation calls for empowerment in patience and her tips largely relate to this empowerment.

Brian Brown, a chaplain, will tell us what it takes to be a lay chaplain. Hear about a hospital patient and the trust she placed in Brian. Hear how grace permeated that encounter. Hear tips on being a good listener that we all can use. Hear tips on dealing with the home bound. Hear how Brian felt a tender part of his heart touched by God through his ministry.

Lorelei Bobroff, Principal – Catholic Grade School, will tell us her faith story from stay at home mom to Principal at St. Paul of the Cross grade school. Hear the serendipitous turn of events that permitted her to become a teacher later in life. As she faced her own family end of life issues while teaching hear the nurturing and understanding that she received from a Catholic culture while working in a Catholic school. Hear how she turned her experiences into deeper empathy for teachers and parents as a school administrator. Hear tips any parent, and any executive, might want to know about dealing with situations where you must agree to disagree.

Terry Madl, Founder and First User, of “Gear” will tell us of an endurance race of his across the Sahara Desert in Africa and how it affected his faith life. Hear the peace he felt in his reconciliation with the death many years ago of his then 3 year old daughter Emalie. Hear about the help of an unexpected friend. Hear how what began as a 3rd quest for a personal best in Marathon Des Sables, the 151 mile endurance race in Morocco, resulted in peace beyond understanding. Hear Terry’s understanding of the real test of the presence of God that comes is how our life is changed always towards loving others.

Terry Madl, Founder and First User, of “Gear” will explain how he knew he had an experience of a presence of God and how it affected his faith life. Hear the peace he felt in his reconciliation with the death many years ago of his then 3 year old daughter Emalie. Hear Terry’s understanding of the real test of the presence of God that comes is how our life is changed always towards being positive and acting in faith.

Robert Schnetzer, a business consultant, will present a real life story where timing played an important role. Hear about his conversation with a widow who recently lost her business owner husband. Hear the connections that were made thru faith. Hear the role Robert’s father played in Robert’s life direction always toward integrity thru deep faith.

Rev. Anthony Muraya, Associate Pastor at St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, will present a real life story where his presence was used for a family’s faith journey. Hear how simple recognition of Fr. Muraya’s Roman Collar made all the difference. Hear the treasury of love he found in the family. Hear Father talk about practical tips he learned from his grandmother as “Grandma’s boy.”