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2012 Living the Catholic Faith Conference set for March 2-3
By Julie Filby
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Learn what it means to be a “doer of the word” at the annual Living the Catholic Faith Conference March 2-3, 2012, at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver.
This year’s conference—based on the verse from James: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves” (1:22)—will feature two Masses, four keynote talks, 25 workshops, opportunities for adoration and confession, and exhibits from Catholic organizations and vendors.
“The most exciting thing about the conference, besides the great speakers, is being together with 3,000 fellow Catholics who are so excited about their faith and eager to learn,” said James Cavanagh, director of evangelization and catechesis for Denver-metro area parishes.
Last year’s conference drew its largest crowd ever with 3,500 people, representing 30 dioceses.
“It’s for anyone who wants to learn more about their faith and be invigorated by some of the best Catholic speakers in the country,” Cavanagh said. “If you’ve attended the conference before and enjoyed it, tell others! Word-of-mouth is by far the best advertising.”
Keynote talks will be delivered by Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court; Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, planetary scientist and curator of meteorites for the Vatican Observatory, speaking on how God is both love and logic through the Incarnation; Chris Stefanick, director of youth, young adult and campus ministry for the Denver Archdiocese, discussing parents, teacher and catechists as the first evangelists for children; and John L. Allen Jr., longtime Vatican analyst and National Catholic Reporter senior correspondent, presenting evangelical Catholicism from a global perspective.
“We have dynamic and interesting speakers lined up who will provide solid catechesis for the faithful and inspire them to live the word of God in their lives,” said event coordinator Tess Stone. “There’s something for everyone.”
Similarly a wide range of workshop topics will be offered including: understanding the media and the message, women in Scripture inspiring women today, how to make a good confession, when your loved one is an atheist, a new paradigm for marriage, building families of character and making sense of Scripture.
Workshops will be presented by Jennifer Fulwiler, National Catholic Register blogger and mother of five; author and blogger Mark Shea; Francis Maier, advisor to Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.; Mary Healy, professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary; Thomas Smith, former director of Denver Catholic Biblical and Catechetical schools; Ben Akers, current director of Denver Catholic Biblical and Catechetical schools; Msgr. Bernard Schmitz, liaison for clergy for the archdiocese; Patrick Coffin, radio host of “Catholic Answers Live”; Tim Gray, president of Denver’s Augustine Institute; Father John Riley, chaplain of the Augustine Institute; Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference; pastor Father Andrew Kemberling and Mila Glodava, director of communications, from St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Centennial; Terri and Andrew Lyke, founders of the Arusi Network; and Steve Markel, chairman of Families of Character.
“I’m excited about Steve Markel’s presentation on Families of Character, a virtue-based program to help parents develop strong, moral children,” said Cavanagh.
New this year will be a track for teens, eighth through 12th grade, on Saturday. It will feature popular youth speaker and author Jason Evert, and his wife Crystalina, as well as Coffin.
“We think this will be wonderful for families and teens to experience growing in their faith together,” said Stone. “In addition, local praise band, the Matt Miller Band, will provide praise and worship music for the teens.”
The conference will begin Friday with Mass celebrated by Colorado Springs Bishop Michael J. Sheridan. Saturday commences with Mass celebrated by Bishop James D. Conley, apostolic administrator of the archdiocese. Saturday’s line-up will also include presentations and workshops in Spanish.
The Living the Catholic Faith Conference will be held in the Wells Fargo Theater at the Colorado Convention Center at 700 14th St. in Denver. The cost is $55 for one day and $75 for two days (prices go up $10 after Feb. 13). Group discounts are available. For more information or to register, visit www.lcfcdenver.org, email lcfc@archden.org or call 303-715-3260.
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