Mary Kowal will speak on faith as a bridge. Hear how her faith helped her care for her late husband, Bob. Inspired by the Little Flower, hear how her faith leads her as a volunteer to daily small works of charity.

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.

Brad Liska as a very young boy learns to drive a fishing boat from Uncle Jeff. In the summer of 2012, Jeff remembers his encounter with Cal Jimmy and Brad on the water as Brad is smiling and peaceful in the middle seat. Someone else is driving.

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.

Kelly Heus — Pastoral Associate at St. Paul of the Cross, will discuss the common misconceptions about forgiveness that she has come across in her lay ministry work especially within the Divorce Recovery Program. She will also talk about the affects of not forgiving such as damaging our relationships with others, ourselves and God; as well as the inability to release anger, resentment and pain. — Saint Paul of the Cross — Holy Family Chapel