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.

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.

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.

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.

Rosemary Kane is a successful marriage and family therapist as well as an addiction counselor. Rosemary tells her faith story of how she came to be involved in her profession, and how she has given herself up to the Lord in her practice. She describes how she finds the Spirit inside each individual she works with and will give specific tips on how to provide help for those we know who may have suffering in their lives.

Caroline Hopkinson, a multi media editor for Vision, a top ranking vocation magazine, will share a personal experience of gratitude. Hear how her involvement participating in, and not just covering an assignment in Rochester, N.Y., led her to insights she might not otherwise have received. Hands on and full of ideas, hear this recent college graduate talk about vocation not just to the religious life, but each to our work, and how to make a difference.

Constantine Thalassinos, a visitor to the Divine Mercy Project and member of the Greek Orthodox Church, will share with us his faith journey. His father was a priest in the Greek Orthodox Church. Hear Constantine’s faith journey that may yet lead him to becoming a priest like his father. However, it is more important to Constantine to live a good Christian life every day that may be seen by his love of others in humility.

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.

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.

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.”

Walter Cwik is a veteran engineer turned quality control director. Hear how his faith influences his profession in how he treats people. Hear motivational secrets he uses in quality control that we all can use.