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 sizings.

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.

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.