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.

Donna Samano, Home Schooling Mom and Graduate Nurse, will tell a simple story of teaching her Catholic religion to her children and the humility she feels. Hear how her original quest to help her oldest son’s learning disability through Catholic home schooling brought about her own personal conversion. Hear her delight in her older children who live their faith.

Mark Miller, Audio Engineer and St. Paul of the Cross Head Usher, will talk about his audio avocation and volunteer usher work. Willing to audio record from bands to children’s Christmas Programs, Mark will tell us what people say about his work and why he loves it. Hear a real day-in-an-usher’-life story of a church goer collapsing and tips we all should know from this head usher of 16 years experience.

Jerry Spellman, retired Loyola Academy math teacher and father of 7, will talk about marching with Martin Luther King. Hear how then and other times later on he was empowered to not be afraid. In spite of many side jobs to raise his family, Jerry has always felt drawn to social justice causes. Learn how to be aware of the spirit pushing you to observe, judge, and act.

Jeff Liautaud, Principal at Tree Fort Financial wealth management and family office, will talk about facing financial adversity. Hear his faith story, that God has a plan for us, to prosper us, and not to harm us, and a significant role that Adoration played.

Gerry Ryan, loving mother and homemaker, will share her family’s real life journey through disability with faith. In the beginning, disability can be a terrible shock. You need to work your way through pain, and prayer. She says: “Never give up. Meet disability, yet rely on God.” Hear her family’s blessings today in this inspiring faith journey.

Jay Wilson is a retired businessman who managed large department stores. Jay was credited with major store transformations, through his approach to employees that encourages positive attitudes and actions towards the customers. Jay describes the approach that he used and some of the people who were touched by his efforts.

Greg Wise is the owner of a small business and is an engaged parish volunteer. Greg talks about his experience in developing a value-laden, servant leadership work environment, where success is defined not simply by the bottom line, but by the way customers and employees alike have positive interactions and outcomes with his company.

Rosa Ceja is a passionate educator and the Program Director of the Capistrano Community Mariachi Program. Rosa describes how her focus on helping individuals and trust in the Lord shapes her successful work as a teacher and creator of the Mariachi Program.

April Pasquale, Administrative Assistant in an independent living and skilled care facility, will tell her own conversion story to Catholicism in 2004. Hear a story of delighting the residents thru her proactive knowledge. She goes to work early, sits with the residents for breakfast and immerses herself in a family like setting. Hear her voice for the dignity of each person in the image and likeness of God that should be honored.

Jerry Kenney, Founder, right here at St. Paul of the Cross, of Caregivers Circle of Faith – “For Those Who Have or Want To Experience the Spirituality of Caregiving,” will tell us his journey from caregiver to committed adorer to action. Are you a caregiver? Understand the Holy Spirit abiding within, ever leading you to discover your own new beginnings through Jerry’s interesting faith story.

Linda Burk, Parish Nurse of 18 years experience at St. Paul of the Cross, will share a dramatic story involving human health and compassionate caring. Hear her real life story of danger and ministry. Learn her role as our parish nurse and some inspiring tips.

Claudia Graham is a distributor for Lighthouse Catholic Media. Hear Claudia speak about a faith enlivening story that one of her clients told her. Hear the power of a CD that can change lives. Hear Claudia’s spiritual enrichment regarding her work.

John Koch, a martial arts instructor, will share a spiritual story of a young boy asking for guidance about his mom. Hear a true mentor’s perspective on building the family through values. Devoted to Christ, Master John leads by personal example.