Dr. Joseph Schmidt, President of St. Patrick High School, will tell us of his faith journey.Hear his deep loss upon his wife’s, Lynn’s, death.Hear Lynn’s message to Joe, and to all, at Lynn’s funeral.

Hank Evers is the Director of Development and Communications at the Orange Catholic Foundation and an engaged parishioner. Hank has had a breadth of senior level positions, primarily dealing with strategic development, marketing and communications. Hank has learned to embed his faith life in all that he does, and will present the way in which he came to be able to find congruence among his work and his strong faith values.

Jeff Liautaud, a family office wealth manager, will share a story of an experience of his years ago in Manhattan that began what was to become a lifelong avocation building sense of community. Hear the fruition of his work of over 40 years in his journey working out his own salvation and finding God’s plan in love of neighbor. Hear the practical benefits to the sense of community being lived out today in Park Ridge that offers a Faith Seminar of Park Ridge – “Where Work Meets Faith.” Hear tips on empowerment.

Dr. Joseph Schmidt, President of St. Patrick High School, will tell us of his faith journey. Hear how he joined, and remained at St. Patrick’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.

Tom Gawne, a retired special education teacher, will share an ongoing story of one young man who became a pivoting point for Tom’s own faith life. Hear Tom describe this success story and what Tom learned about the complete goodness of God. Hear Tom unravel his own life’s mystery in this inspiring faith story about a student who became a social worker.

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.

Matthew Petrash, a sales and marketing director, will tell us his family story of faith together. Transitioning from a job in California to moving his wife and new child back to Chicago hear Matt’s story of deep faith until he found work. Hear Matt tell us firsthand about challenges that don’t seem to be able to be overcome. Hear where Matt finds Christ.

Thomas Schippers, a judge, will present a defendant’s comeback story. After many transgressions, following depression and drug violations, a psychological report indicated the defendant’s low self worth. Hear the judge’s surprising answer. See how rehabilitation can work in the court system. Hear tips on living a life that makes a difference, and tips on making work fulfilling.

Frances Johnson (McDonough), a scripture teacher and violinist, will present a story of spiritual growth of one of her scripture students. Having gone to Sunday mass, an old testament reading brought to mind the student’s recent study of the same passage in class. Because the student had studied the passage, the student knew the beginning and the end of the story, with the passage in the middle. Hear Frances’ joy as the student beamed about the relevance of scripture not only to mass but also to everyday life.

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.

Brian Truckenbrod, Regional Sales Manager at Lighthouse Catholic Media, will share a real life story of a lady who touched him deeply by her humility. A full time software executive, hear why Brian also loves his part time work at Lighthouse. Desirous of developing new programs for Lighthouse, Brian is the go to person for innovation

Emmett McGovern, Director of Counseling at St. Patrick High School in Chicago, will share a personal story of career change. Hear how his devotions to God worked on him in a way even he could not initially understand. Hear his faith in his wife and his devotion to family in this touching story of family transition.

Emmett McGovern, Director of Counseling at St. Patrick High School in Chicago, will share a personal story of forgiveness. Hear how his devotions to God worked on him in a way even he could not understand. Hear his faith in his wife and his devotion to family in this touching story of family forgiveness.