December 16, 2009

Dynamic conference to rekindle faith

By Julie Filby

Are you living your Catholic faith—or do you feel like you’re just going through the motions? The upcoming Living the Catholic Faith Conference set for Feb. 26-27 is designed to inspire, entertain and rejuvenate the faithful.

“Sometimes being a Catholic can feel kind of lonely,” said James Cavanagh, director of evangelization and catechesis for the Denver metro area, whose office coordinates the annual event. “This conference is a place where you can really be lifted up and encouraged in your faith—surrounded by fellow Catholics who are excited and positive about their faith.”

The two-day event will feature keynote talks by dynamic Catholic speakers, more than 20 workshops, a movie screening, exhibits from nearly 100 Catholic organizations and vendors, and opportunities for adoration and confession. The conference begins Friday with Mass celebrated by Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. Saturday commences with Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley.

Keynote speakers at this year’s conference include Tim Gray, biblical scholar and president of Denver’s Augustine Institute; Catholic dramatist ValLimar Jansen, known for infusing life into the Scriptures through storytelling and song; and Janet Smith, one of the Church’s leading experts on human sexuality and marriage, who will combine theology and humor in talks on the Catholic family.

The conference will offer a screening of the award-winning film “The Human Experience” (Grassroots Films). This documentary follows two brothers on a journey that takes them into the lives of the homeless in New York City, orphans in Peru and lepers in the forests of Ghana. Through their real-life encounters, they are awakened to the beauty of the human person. A Q&A session with producer Joe Campo and actor Jeffrey Azize will follow the screening. For more information or to view a trailer, visit www.grassrootsfilms.com/thehumanexperience.

Saturday’s line-up will also include workshops and presentations in Spanish by San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú, S.T.L.; Father Juan Puigbó, director of Sol Vocational Institute, a ministry of the Diocesan Laborer Priests; Liliana Flores, Hispanic youth ministry coordinator for the Denver Archdiocese; and Renato Sander, a consecrated layman of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae community that runs the St. Malo Retreat Center.

Bishop Cantú will deliver presentations in both Spanish and English.

“I have chosen you,” based on Scripture verse John 15:16, is the theme of this year’s conference. Speakers and workshops will provide reflections on both the joys and challenges felt in following the will of God.

“Each of us is called by the Lord for a very specific mission to live out his love,” said Tess Stone, coordinator for the office of evangelization and catechesis. “The only way we can understand this call and how to live it out is to learn about the Lord and his Church.

“The Lord has already chosen us—how are we going to respond?” she asked.

The Living the Catholic Faith Conference will be held in the Korbel Ballroom of the Colorado Convention Center at 1700 14th St. in downtown Denver. Costs were decreased this year to $55 for one day and $75 for two days (prices go up $10 after Feb. 5). Group discounts are available. For more information or to register, visit www.archden.org/ lcfc2010, e-mail lcfc@archden. org or call 303-715-3260.

2010 LIVING THE CATHOLIC FAITH CONFERENCE

When: Feb. 26-27 at the Colorado Convention Center, downtown Denver
Register: online at  www.arch den.org/lcfc2010
Questions: E-mail lcfc@arch den.org or call 303-715-3260