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Single Catholics invited to Jan. 27-29 national conference

By Julie Filby

Single Catholics of all ages are invited to the National Catholic Singles Conference Jan. 27-29 in Westminster.

The event, which started in Denver in 2005, is an opportunity for singles to pray together, listen to inspirational speakers, and enjoy camaraderie with other Catholics.

“I never truly felt fellowship until I attended the National Catholic Singles Conference in Denver in 2006,” said past attendee Anna Maria Basquez. “People I met there led to my going to Rome for the first time on a pilgrimage with more than 70 Catholic singles.”

Events will include five keynote talks, breakout workshops for men and women, opportunities for adoration and confession, social time, a dinner and dance, and two Masses. Sunday Mass will be celebrated by Denver’s apostolic administrator, Bishop James D. Conley.

“Because of this conference, I realized how literally ‘not alone’ I am as a single Catholic in my city, state, nation and world,” Basquez said. “You’re never really alone if you have faith.”

New this year, the weekend will include pre- and post-conference activities through Denver Catholic Speed Dating. Basquez, the organization’s founder, is excited about the partnership.

“It’s a good alliance with the goal of further bringing together Catholic singles,” she said. “It can hone the skills of participants to talk to others of faith, better preparing them for a conference that typically numbers in the hundreds.”

Organizers expect more than 400 attendees at the conference.

According to Basquez, the faith-based speed dating program can help people “break out of their shell” and provide opportunities to more easily meet people from other cities and states.

“Catholic Speed Dating serves the purpose of urging healthy dating and leaving it to the participants to choose the people they want to talk with more,” she said.

Speed dating events will be held 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27 and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 29, at the Westin Westminster. Cost is $25 before Jan. 16; $30 after. For more information, visit www.DenverCatholicSpeedDate.com.

The conference kicks off Friday evening with a mixer followed by a keynote address from Mary Beth Bonacci. Bonacci will speak on living the single life “when you didn’t expect it,” and finding God in that call. Fashion model-turned-missionary Mario St. Francis will serve as emcee.

Additional keynote speakers will be Jonathan Reyes, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Denver Archdiocese and executive director of social ministry; David Clayton, artist and professor at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, N.H.; Daughter of St. Paul Sister Helena Burns speaking on the media and its influence; and author and counselor Roy Pettitfils will close the conference with the keynote: “Are we fishers of men or keepers of the aquarium?”

The conference will be held at the Westin Westminster at 10600 Westminster Blvd. A discounted rate of $139 will be offered through Jan. 20; $119 for active military or full-time students. For information or to register, visit www.NationalCatholicSingles.com or call 608-561-1791. Organizers also invite participants to stay Sunday night to socialize then ski together Monday, Jan. 30.