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.

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.

This youth group video shows how a draw away from safety is overcome with safety at “Safety, Baby!” “Safety, Baby!” is retro slang expressing mutual affection toward safety. It refers to a public location for a sampling of youth witness videos usually reserved for a private setting only for the youth group. Ordinary youth present their story of providing, thru the presenter’s chosen work, extreme value for the common good. By grace, God is at work, where their life meets their faith. Videos of their presentations proclaim a culture of the goodness of God. “Safety, Baby!” shows why parents, youth, and mentors prefer safety in a vibrant faith community, over unsafe ways. But in the end, it is the youth’s choice of a culture of the goodness of God that makes the difference. Parent-Youth-Mentor results not only in a village triangle of faith, but also in “Safety, Baby!” Good villages build a better world.

John Koch tells us about Divine Mercy Outreach. Open to all denominations, this devotion offers incredible graces to all who staff and visit the Divine Mercy Image, an image of Christ with blue and rose streams of light, as given by Christ in a vision to St. Faustina.

Brian Fergus, a sale representative will tell us of an experience he had helping science teachers inspire students to explore the world.” He received a large order from a teacher at 1 pm and working together with other divisions, he shipped the order complete by 4:30 pm. Hear how the corporate culture, which makes no distinction between inside clients and outside clients, helps make his job easier and more fulfilling. Hear how his deep Catholic faith reinforces him at work to avoid gossip, help new employees, and build a strong work ethic within his supportive work community.

Richard Grebenc, a teacher and graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, will talk of an experience he had while teaching Theology of the Human Person. Hear his story of a student who was taking his class and her thoughtful response. Hear why Rich above all appreciates class participation that fosters openness and respect for each other, while he seeks to present the Church’s teaching in a true light.

Stacy Wendt, executive assistant at Lighthouse Catholic Media, will share a faith journey story after she converted to Catholicism. Hear Stacy’s burning desire of love for her friend, and her friend’s surprising openness to hear about Stacy’s Catholic faith. Hear the humility Stacy felt as a result of this openness. Hear tips we all can use in sharing our faith.

Mark Middendorf, President of Lighthouse Catholic Media will tell us how to be a reservoir, not just a channel of faith. Hear three Lighthouse pillars to the reservoir of faith. Hear Mark’s real life story of conversion, consecration, and affirmation. Hear how Mark was fortified to go out and share recorded Catholic talks from a Park Ridge lending Library, which became an Apostolate to God’s mercy and tenderness.

Gerda Weitzel, a 30 year teacher with a Masters in Learning Disabilities, will tell how another teacher’s love of the Blessed Mother inspired Gerda to become a teacher. Hear Gerda’s touching story of Marilyn, a 9 year old, and a class that honored hard work. She said: “God works in mysterious ways and it is so important to accept it.”