Photo Caption: Mayor Jim Ardis of Peoria, left, and chief meteorologist Marcus Bailey of WMBD-TV will be presenters at the Faith-Based Leadership Workshop at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria on March 23.

The mayor of Peoria and a television meteorologist will discuss how they incorporate the values of their Catholic faith in their professional and personal lives during a morning workshop in Peoria on Saturday, March 23.

Mayor Jim Ardis and Marcus Bailey of WMBD-TV are the featured speakers at the annual Faith-Based Leadership Workshop hosted by the Diocese of Peoria at the Spalding Pastoral Center.

The day is open to all and is much needed now, according to Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, who will celebrate the morning’s opening Mass following 8 a.m. registration.

“Now more than ever God is asking us to step up as Catholics in a society which attempts, at times, to block out and trivialize the important role Christianity plays in our culture,” wrote Bishop Jenky in inviting all Catholics to the fourth annual event.

“Whether we are at home with our family, at work with our colleagues, or building relationships with those in our community — God is calling us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through our witness of life so that we may glorify Him and thus bring others to experience the joy of Christianity,” said the bishop.

A catered hot breakfast will follow the Mass. Bailey, an active member of Sacred Heart Parish in Peoria, will then speak on how to “Remember the Good News when a Day Full of Bad News Surrounds You.”

Following table discussion of Bailey’s presentation, Deacon Greg Serangeli will lead participants in praying the rosary. Mayor Ardis, who is running for his third term as Peoria mayor, will then speak on “God, Help Me to Be a Faith-Based Leader.”

The workshop ends with closing remarks at noon.

Bishop Jenky and organizers issued a wide invitation to this year’s event.

“There is a misconception the day is for business people alone,” said Jack Desatnick, a member of St. Edward’s Parish in Chillicothe whose vision resulted in the first Faith-Based Leadership Workshop in 2010. “But everyone is a leader — parents, Little League coaches, teachers. This seminar is for everyone. It’s a getting together and networking of Catholics to show it is OK to be Catholic in the workplace.”

The cost of the workshop is $20 ($25 after March 13), which includes breakfast. A student rate of $10 is offered, and clergy and religious may attend without charge.

More information on the event is found online at faithbasedleadership.org. Registration may be done on that site or by calling Terri LaHood at (309) 671-1550.

Both Bishop Jenky and Desatnick encouraged attendees to bring their spouse or a friend to share the morning program, which will offer participants opportunities to share their own experiences and ask questions.

“Many times our faith in Jesus Christ can be an all-too sensitive subject to bring up in the workplace, and sometimes even with our friends,” wrote the bishop. “In order to influence others, we must figure out ways to incorporate our faith into our everyday lives.”