Dan Nichols is a recovered Catholic who will share the story of how he returned to the Catholic Church and how his faith values are reflected in his work life as a human resource professional.

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.

Dave Dora is a recently retired Senior Operations Manager, Mentor and involved parishioner. Dave applies his faith in his work and in his commitment to mentoring others by abandoning himself to the Holy Spirit. He speaks of his faith journey, and its application when, during the recession, he was responsible for managing two major corporate down sizings.

Sr. Sue Dunning, C.S.J. has been a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange for 33 years and currently is the San Felipe de Jesus Minister of Faith Formation and Religious Education. Early in her religious life she felt a call from God to serve the poor of Mexico. For 15 years, she lived with and served the Mexican people of Guaymas, Sonora and Tijuana, Baja, CA. She has a love and passion for serving the poor and is actively involved with the homeless in Orange. In parish ministry, she shares her love of people and talents of music, dance and spirituality in a variety of ways.

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.

Paul Sampson is a retired marketing executive of a Fortune 500 Company, and head of the Parish’s Knights of Columbus. Paul will share stories about how his parents laid the foundation of his Catholic faith and how that faith manifested itself in his day-to-day decision making within his work life. As he moved up the corporate ladder he helped to create a positive environment for all employees, never forgetting the “little person” and making sure to look out for them. He also sought help and guidance from his faith as he made multiple geographic moves with his family.

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.

Brian Brown, a chaplain, will tell us what it takes to be a lay chaplain. Hear about a hospital patient and the trust she placed in Brian. Hear how grace permeated that encounter. Hear tips on being a good listener that we all can use. Hear tips on dealing with the home bound. Hear how Brian felt a tender part of his heart touched by God through his ministry.

This training video explains the role of Initiator for a Seminar Series. Your main role is inviting ordinary people to present their story of providing thru the presenter’s chosen work extreme value for the common good. By grace, God is at work, where their work meets their faith. Because you help make this ministry possible you cannot help but be a needed, valued member of a vibrant, growing, faith community. You create your own ministry team consisting of yourself, a promoter and a video producer. Hear how regularity of Seminar Series dates and step by step write-ups insure success. The most important step is to put your full trust in God. Videos proclaim extreme value of the preciousness of God at work. The vision is community for all mankind.

Lorelei Bobroff, Principal of a Catholic Grade School, will tell us her faith story from stay at home mom to Principal at St. Paul of the Cross grade school. Hear the serendipitous turn of events that permitted her to become a teacher later in life. As she faced her own family end of life issues while teaching hear the nurturing and understanding that she received from a Catholic culture while working in a Catholic school. Hear how she turned her experiences into deeper empathy for teachers and parents as a school administrator. Hear tips any parent, and any executive, might want to know about dealing with situations where you must agree to disagree.

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.