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.

DR. FRANK GODINO is a local, comprehensive, general dentist and active parishioner. Frank describes ways in which his faith life plays a role in how he treats his patients and manages his practice. In addition, Frank describes how he strives to be a better Catholic and how that impacts his professional relationships. He also provides tips about dental care.

Brian Fergus, a sale representative will tell us of an experience he had helping science teachers inspire students to explore the world.” He received a large order from a teacher at 1 pm and working together with other divisions, he shipped the order complete by 4:30 pm. Hear how the corporate culture, which makes no distinction between inside clients and outside clients, helps make his job easier and more fulfilling. Hear how his deep Catholic faith reinforces him at work to avoid gossip, help new employees, and build a strong work ethic within his supportive work community.

Eleanor Reily, Soapmaker and entrepreneur, will tell us how her grandmother showed her how to make and use natural home remedies. Hear how the Holy Spirit guided her from self-care to helping others, by creating soaps, and body products with no chemicals, perfumes or artificial ingredients. Hear this deeply intuitive Eucharistic Minister blend God’s abundance in a balanced spiritual and worldly way.

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.

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.

Mark Middendorf, President of Lighthouse Catholic Media will tell us how to be a reservoir, not just a channel of faith. Hear three Lighthouse pillars to the reservoir of faith. Hear Mark’s real life story of conversion, consecration, and affirmation. Hear how Mark was fortified to go out and share recorded Catholic talks from a Park Ridge lending Library, which became an Apostolate to God’s mercy and tenderness.

Vincent Ross, chemical executive, will talk of his experience with a turnaround plan as a division President at a chemical company. Hear his unique story of how, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, he was able to handle the humbling responsibility to save jobs and how prayer guided him to involve co-workers by sharing plans, results and rewards. Hear how his Faith inspired him to “capture people and not conquer them.”?

Thomas Kashul, Director of Telecommunications at American Medical Association, will talk of transitioning into this job and a role that faith played. Hear an example of the kind of work he does with telephone systems. Hear an inspiring life changing story of a desire to travel to Medjugorje which was placed in his heart and which came to fruition thru faith and prayer. Hear tips to grow your faith from this experienced practitioner.

John Nesbitt, owner of two small graphics companies, will tell us of his joy as a salesperson in this field. Yet, hear him tell us of the struggles he faces in the changing and declining industry. Hear how he maintains his balance, through the Rosary, Mass, and the Adoration Chapel, in his on-going journey of hope.

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.

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.

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.