Women Invited To Gather In Faith With Great Love

Newburgh resident Bethany Logan has experienced the pleasure of organizing a successful Catholic women’s conference. Logan and her team of volunteers hosted more than 280 attendees at last year’s Gather in Faith Women’s Conference at St. John the Baptist Parish in Newburgh. This year, the committee has set its sights to grow even bigger and better.

“We’re excited to bring people together,” Logan said. “(We’re) giving women the opportunity to to not only learn about faith but to look around and say, ‘Me too!’”

The women of St. John the Baptist Parish welcome all women to this year’s conference, titled “With Great Love,” a one-day gathering for all area women interested in learning more about their faith, purpose and parenting. Speakers, breakout sessions, music, worship and opportunities for reconciliation will be available for participants from 8 a.m. CDT to 3:30 p.m.CDT  on Sept. 16.

Logan noted the committee has worked to provide breakout sessions that are multigenerational and inspirational.  “The age range is across the board.  We hope women, younger and older women, find something they will relate to. We hope they take time for themselves.”

Nationally known speaker Hallie Lord will deliver the keynote. Lord, wife and mother of seven, hosts “Hallie Weekly” on Sirius XM and is the author of bestseller “On the Other Side of Fear: How I Found Peace.”  Her writing has appeared in a variety of journals, magazines, and blogs. Her humor and realistic viewpoints on family endear Lord to her followers.

Back by popular demand is speaker Leigh Gray.  Gray is a wife, mom, speaker and writer, will dig into scripture and present the Word of God in a way that anyone can easily understand.  

Other speakers include Erin Ramsey, Mary Grady, Benedictine Sister Jenny Miller, Barb Butler, Colleen Buechler and Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia Sister Mary Barbara.  Music will again be provided the St. John the Baptist choir and reconciliation opportunities will be provided throughout the day.

And don’t forget door prizes.  

Logan recalls how drawing names for door prizes during last year’s conference became a moment of inspiration.  “Over 90 percent of the names we pulled for the door prizes were ‘Mary!’” The committee took the hint and added a breakout session to this year’s lineup entitled “Mary, Companion on the Journey” presented by Benedictine Sister Kathy Huber.  Sister Kathy is a member of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Ferdinand and a member of the order’s Spirituality Ministry team.

The cost for the conference is $25 through Aug. 31 and $30 thereafter.  All speakers, sessions and lunch (provided by Just Rennie’s catering) are included.  Childcare is available at the church for $5 per child, with a family maximum of $15.  Space is limited and should be reserved as soon as possible.

Interested participants can register for the conference at www.sjbnewburgh.org or check out Facebook at “St John Gather in Faith Women’s Conference” for updates and registration forms.

Information about Hallie Lord provided by the Catholic Speakers Association.