June 30, 2010

Angels, the Mass, domestic Church among topics to be explored at Bible conference

By Julie Filby

On July 16-17 hundreds will gather in Denver for the fifth annual National Catholic Bible Conference. Popular Bible experts will present more than 25 talks and break-out sessions corresponding to this year’s theme: “Scripture and God’s Plan for Your Life.”

Thomas Smith—speaker, author and former director of the Denver Catholic Biblical and Catechetical schools—will give three talks at this year’s conference, including “The Biblical Roots and Roles of Angels.”

“What’s sad is that popular culture has reduced angels to fat flying babies, porcelain figurines or New Age spirit guides,” Smith said. “I want to help people recover the truth about angels and their role in our spiritual growth.”

His talk, which has generated national interest from radio programs such as “Catholic Answers Live” and “Son Rise Morning Show,” will clarify misinformation about angels and discuss the role they play in the vocation of holiness and in living out God’s plan.

“There’s some silliness in the New Age Movement, but there is also a very sinister quality,” Smith said. “People need to be on guard against demons that want to destroy the plan of God and the salvation of souls.”

In “The God Who Bends to Bless,” Smith will explore how John’s Gospel reveals remarkable encounters where Christ bent to forgive and serve—and how Jesus bends to meet us “in all of our brokenness.”

“Because God blesses us we can in return bless him, creating this continuous dynamic of blessing that marks the whole Christian life,” he explained. “Understanding and engaging this reciprocal relationship of blessing is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian.”

In his presentation “Rejoice, Daughters of Zion,” Smith will share encounters of seven significant women at the heart of John’s Gospel.

“Learn who they are,” Smith said. “And each of them will deepen your appreciation of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and a courageous witness of the transforming message of the Gospel.”

Renowned educator, speaker and author Jeff Cavins will give welcome remarks at the conference, as well as two presentations: “The Domestic Church: A Place to Prepare for Heaven” and “Learning to See Cross-Eyed.” He will conclude the conference with keynote address “The Plan: Living the Life You Don’t Have Time For.”

In the keynote, Cavins will identify obstacles that keep people from living a happy life and offer practical tips for progressing in God’s plan of sheer goodness.

“The world is looking for a plan,” he said. “The good news is that God has a plan—and he provides the power needed to accomplish it.”

Additional speakers include Peter Williamson sharing ways to build up the body of Christ, Steve Weidenkopf will explain the importance of learning Church history, Edward Sri will present “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass,” Scott Powell will speak on living as redeemed people in a broken world, Curtis Martin will discuss family matters, Martha Fernandez-Sardina will talk on becoming holy, Tim Gray will cover the Psalms and Sarah Christmyer will present “Planting the Word.”

Participants can purchase a complete set of all conference talks (26 CDs) for a discounted price of $199.

The two-day conference sponsored by Ascension Press, the Augustine Institute and the Denver Catholic Biblical School; starts with Mass, breakfast and a keynote address by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap.

With nearly 700 participants registered, the conference is expected to reach its capacity of 900. The event will be held at St. Thomas More Parish at 8035 S. Quebec St. in Centennial. For more information or to register, visit www.CatholicBibleConference.com or call 888-842-2853.

2010 National Catholic Bible Conference
For more information or registration
Online: www.CatholicBibleConference.com
Call: 888-842-2853
E-mail: registration@catholicbibleconference.com
Participants can purchase a complete set of all conference talks (26 CDs) for a discounted price of $199.