Epiphany – August 12, 2024
Chris Stepien talks about his book “Disciples of Doubt“. Gianna Hoving invites everyone to a baby shower for 3 women who chose life. Julie Hesterman offers ways we can help people struggling with addiction.
Segment 1
Chris Stepien talks about his book “Disciples of Doubt“.
Chris Stepien grew up listening to riveting war stories from parents who had survived the Nazi occupation of Poland. In college, Stepien studied electronic journalism.
As a producer-director for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), he won six Emmy® Awards, and other honors for documentaries, sports, celebrity specials, and children’s programming at WXYZ-TV, Detroit, Mich.
Then, Stepien co-founded Adventure, Inc., to create award-winning communications for Fortune 500 companies. Finally, as co-owner of Stepien Creative Services, Inc., he crafted marketing and advertising for global clients. Imaginative prayer inspired Stepien’s first book, Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah, (Wellspring, 2015). The biblical novel journeys with preteen Jesus gone missing.
Stepien also penned a companion rap lyric, The Boy Messiah / Conquer Hell. In 2016, Catholic rapper, Alvaro Vega, (aka “Communion”) collaborated with Stepien to record it.
In 2014, Stepien’s wife, Ellen, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Chris wrote Dying to Be Happy: Discovering the Truth About Life (Wellspring, 2016). This nonfiction book asks: “If you knew you were going to die today, what would you do?”
Stepien is also co-author of Saint to Santa: How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus (Pauline Books & Media, 2014). Fr. Joseph Marquis invited Stepien to collaborate on the children’s video.
A native Detroiter and lifelong Catholic, Stepien and his wife volunteered with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, assisting neighbors in need for 17 years. In 2017, they moved to Chicago, Ill to be near family. For more than three years, Stepien served as Workforce Development Coordinator at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, on Chicago’s South Side. (www.pbmr.org.) He accompanied at-risk youth and adults as they became job ready.
Visit Chris at his website: Chris Stepien
Buy “Disciples of Doubt: A Journey with the Messiah’s Mother” here: Disciples of Doubt
Segment 2
Gianna Hoving invites us to a baby shower for 3 women who chose life.
My name is Gianna Hoving and I am the second oldest out of 9 kids in my fun and faith-filled family. I’m studying Spanish and Art at Northern Michigan University and I recharge by running Cross Country and track. I aspire to shine Christ’s light on campus by joyfully inviting classmates and friends into the Catholic Campus Ministry and Pro-life club activities on Campus. Last semester after discernment and prayer I offered to intern with Edmund Miller at Guadalupe Workers for this summer. I will admit that it has been far from what I was expecting, but I can see so many ways where Jesus and Mary were pouring out beautiful gifts and blessings over us and the women we walk with.
Segment 3
Julie Hesterman, LMSW, CAADC, ADS offers ways we can help people struggling with addiction.
I am a Limited Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist with a variety of experience partnering with individuals on their path to living a healthy and fulfilling life. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and a Master of Social Work from Spring Arbor University.
I enjoy making meaningful connections while working with individuals of all ages who are struggling with their own unique challenges on life’s journey. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as Depression and Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trauma and Substance Use Disorder. I am also confident in working with those who may need extra support in overcoming anxiety/stress in times of uncertainty, or of life transitions.
As a therapist, I make every effort to provide a safe and welcoming space to work collaboratively with clients. Self-determination is a primary focus, as I believe that change is possible when it is truly desired. I take pride in treating clients with respect and unconditional positive regard while focusing on a holistic perspective in meeting clients where they are to explore what it is they want to achieve. Together we search for treatment strategies that best suit clients’ lifestyle. This way clients can feel empowered to reach their goals for living their best possible life.
Although I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral approaches, I believe in using a blend of evidenced-based therapy techniques to develop unique client-centered plans for treatment. Spirituality and faith can be terrific supports and are often included in therapy when desired. I recently added mindfulness, auricular acupuncture and yoga strategies to my practice. I believe that nurturing the mind, body and soul leads to the most contented self. I feel my therapy style is eclectic, as I am always adding to my “tool kit”. I am happy to partner and explore strategies to find what works for you.
