The Compass, the official newspaper for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, honored Tom Vorpahl, Chairman of the Board for Relevant Radio®, with the 5th Annual ‘Faith That Works’ Award yesterday. These awards are presented to individuals who have influenced the workplace through business practices that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ and His church and who share of themselves in their parishes and/or communities.

Vorpahl started at Relevant Radio as the chief executive officer in 2008, and in 2010 he became the chairman of the board and chief operating officer. Shortly after coming to Relevant Radio as the CEO, Vorpahl instituted weekly ‘in-service’ study groups, to help employees grow in their understanding of the faith.

Vorpahl told The Compass, “The in-services started with the U.S. Catechism. We spent the first year in small groups breaking it open. It’s not about anyone else, it’s about how God wants to use us. I just want to do God’s will. That’s the most important thing.”

Weekly in-service groups at Relevant Radio continue to this day, with associates reading classic spiritual works such as Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, as well as contemporary works that address current events, such as Immigration and the Next America by Archbishop Jose Gomez.

Vorpahl also shared with The Compass the greatest lesson he has learned in his many years as a businessman and a Catholic.

“You have to rely on God and less on yourself,” he told The Compass. “Spiritual poverty. We’ve gone through that many times. Focus on what is pleasing to God and trust that he will take care of it. Knowing that everything we have is a gift from him. That’s the greatest lesson.”

The Faith That Works Awards were presented at a Mass and Luncheon on Thursday. Bishop David Ricken presided at the Mass and presented the awards to six recipients: Steve Paul, Tony Pichler, Dr. Josh Rankin, Katelyn Santy, Cheryl Schmidt and Tom Vorpahl.

Photos of the event can be found at The Compass’ Facebook Page.