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Homeschooling expert Maureen Wittman to speak at Catholic Home Education Conference

By Denver Catholic Register

Inspiring talks, group discussions, and an exhibit hall of services and resources will be highlights of the annual Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference Friday and Saturday, July 15-16 at St. Thomas More School and Parish in Centennial.

Catholic parents, whether currently homeschooling, considering it for the future, or looking to supplement their children’s current faith and academic  education will find support, information, and resources at the annual home education conference, organizers said.

Guest speaker Maureen Wittmann is a homeschooling mother of seven, popular home education author, and co-founder of Homeschool Connections which provides online educational services and classes for Catholic homeschool families.  She knows that the task of taking on the education and formation of one’s children can seem daunting.  Her talk will recall Blessed John Paul II’s words, “Be not afraid,” as she shares how homeschooling enhances one’s life and provides helpful tools.

Ted Sri, provost and professor at Denver’s Catholic graduate school the Augustine Institute, will give the Friday keynote, exploring the biblical roots of the words and gestures of the Mass.  Married couple Peter and Chantal Howard of St. Mary’s Parish in Aspen, will offer several talks bringing to light the necessary ingredients for building a future generation of well-formed and faith-filled families in the new millennium.

Additional speakers include Cathie Baier, Brother John Ignatius, Sandy Harem, and Jonathan Reyes. 

“This year we have several sessions focusing on teaching science and history from an authentic Catholic perspective, addressing some of the controversies and biases one encounters on those topics,” said Mary Machado, conference coordinator.  

Whether new or experienced, the conference offers something for all.  Gwen Wise of Holy Trinity in Westminster, who has been attending the conferences since they were inaugurated in the mid-90s, said the positive example of Catholic family life at the conference strengthens her for the coming year.

“It always offers opportunities to grow in knowledge of Scripture, the faith, the liturgical year and domestic Church, parenting, marriage and academics,” Wise said.

The conference runs from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Cost is $35 per person, $45 per couple, if pre-registered. Additional charge of $5 at the door. More information can be found at www.rmchec.org or by calling 303-750-9522.