Faith, business meet during breakfast series

The crossroads of business and faith are the focus of a long-standing tradition of breakfasts at St. Margaret Mary Parish.

The tradition continues this fall with "Your Kingdom Come on Earth and in the Boardroom" from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 20 at the church, 1450 Green Trails Drive, Naperville.

The topic represents just one of several for this year's series related to business and the Lord's Prayer.

Speakers for Oct. 20 are Karen and Bill Garlough, owners of My Chef Catering, and Tom Cordaro, justice and outreach minister for the parish.

Despite offering the program for many years, parish organizers never tire of finding inspiring and relevant topics related to faith and business.

"Every year we come up with a theme," said Sister Madelyn Gould, director of adult faith formation at the parish. "This fall we're looking at how we live the Lord's Prayer in our workplace.

"I work with a committee of six people who represent the diversity of the group that attends," she added. "I have representatives of corporations, employed and retired, and others who are self-employed."

Gould relies on their input for ideas on the theme and to understand what concerns people in the business world are currently facing. Each breakfast lasts 90 minutes and typically attracts 30 to 40 participants who come from all areas of the business world or are retired.

Each program includes a presentation followed by small group discussion and time for questions and answers. At the Oct. 20 event, the Garloughs will discuss where they gained their Christian values; how their values influence their relationships with employees and customers; what they've learned over the years as business owners; and how their involvement in the community relates to their faith values.

"Their talk will be practical, a personal testimony on operating a small business and bringing their faith values into it," Gould said.

Themes for future breakfasts are: "Choosing God as our Supplier" Nov. 17; "Forgive our Trespasses -- Christian Management Styles" Jan. 19; and "Deliver Us from Today's Evils" Feb. 9.

Each session begins with breakfast before the presentation and discussion. The cost of the meal is a $7 donation. The public is invited to attend but registration is required by calling (630) 369-0777.

If you go

What:Business breakfast, "Your Kingdom Come on Earth and in the Boardroom," the next in a series of four breakfasts focusing on the Lord's Prayer

When:8 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 20

Where:St. Margaret Mary Parish, 1450 Green Trails Drive, Naperville

Cost:$7

Call:(630) 369-0777