Spirituality Into Action: A Retreat Experience 2023

Presenter

Fr. Ed Shea, OFM

Franciscan Father Ed Shea is the third of eight children from St. Giles Parish in Oak Park. A 1974 graduate of Fenwick High School and a 1978 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Father Shea joined the Franciscans in 1980 and was ordained a priest in 1987. Father Ed has spent most of his priesthood in parish work, including four years as the priest-presider for the St. Giles Family Mass Community in Oak Park, IL and five years as the pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Joliet, IL.  For six years he was also pastor of St. Joseph Parish, a predominantly Hispanic community in Chicago’s famous Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Father Ed has served on his Provincial Council and as Director of Vocations and Formation for the Franciscans in the Midwest.  After 12 years at St. Peter’s in downtown Chicago, Father Ed has moved to a new Franciscan Inner City Mission in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana where he continues to be involved in bilingual ministry in the Gary/ Chicago area and beyond.  A Franciscan priest who loves to sing and tell stories, more than anything he thrives on celebrating the Sacraments of the Church.

Afternoon Witness Talks

Betty Manion

As a master storyteller, engaging speaker, and motivational presenter, Betty Manion has been delighting and inspiring audiences of all ages with stories for over thirty years.  She believes in the power of stories to find the meaning in life and as a way to connect us to one another.  Her storytelling style involves high energy and a unique style of making her characters come to life. She has used stories in keynotes, performances, retreats, workshops, and in-services throughout the United States.  She also has extensive experience using storytelling with children and adults with disabilities. Betty was the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Waupaca for twenty-five years. Her book, Prayers Before The Bell – Inviting Christ Into The Classroom, was published in 2012.

Tony Pichler

Tony Pichler has served the Church in various capacities for nearly 40 years.  Currently, he is the Mission Outreach Director for Resurrection Parish in Allouez.

He has co-authored 13 books, most recently There Is No Place Like Home: Billy Ball Meets a Friend.

Tony is co-founder of St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, the Micah Center, and Whatsoever You Do, Inc.  He is Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Foundations Health and Wholeness and Whatsoever You Do.

Deacon Bob Hornacek

Deacon Bob Hornacek, a convert to the Catholic faith, was ordained in May 2017. He and his wife Jennifer have four sons, ages 16-21. After spending two decades as a broadcast journalist and investigative reporter, Bob entered the non-profit world. He currently works as the assistant executive director of Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay. Paul’s Pantry is a free grocery store for families in need that is entirely supported by community donations.