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.

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.

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.”

ROCIO MENDOZA-SANDOVAL is a public elementary school teacher whose life experiences have deepened her faith, and whose faith has changed how she lives her life, personally and professionally. Rocio shares how her faith-filled attitude influenced her to become a teacher and how it shapes her classroom practices.

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.