Catholics from a nine-state area will meet for a three-day event that includes sessions on contemporary religious concerns presented by nationally recognized lay and religious speakers, spirited entertainment, and daily devotions at the 12th annual Midwest Catholic Family Conference.
With programs for children, teens, young adults, and adults, the Conference is slated for Friday through Sunday, Aug. 5-7, at Century II in downtown Wichita.
In addition to a full slate of presentations, Conference participants have opportunities for Confession, a visit to the Adoration Chapel, daily Mass, and an outdoor Eucharistic procession.
“The Holy Father and our bishops encourage Catholics to help in the Church’s mission of spreading the Word of Christ through enlightened and active living of our Faith,” said Barbara Kelly, co-founder and executive director of the Conference.
“The Conference is an opportunity to learn about current issues affecting the Church, to learn how we as Catholics can embrace and defend the Faith, and to gather with others who seek deeper spiritual growth through education and devotion,” commented Mrs. Kelly. “The programs for children and young people help establish a firm foundation for continued participation in the Church as they mature.”
The Conference opens with family entertainment featuring composer and pianist Eric Genuis performing his “A Concert of Hope” and an interactive drama by Theater of the Word on Friday evening.
Presentations on Saturday and Sunday include nationally known speakers addressing a wide variety of topics, including everything from saints to Satanists. Clergy, religious and lay people share their knowledge and experience on the pressing issues facing the Church and Catholics today.
A sampling, not a complete list, of the program presenters includes: Abby Johnson – author of Unplanned, she explains that once she actually saw an abortion in progress, it had a profound effect and led her to abandon her position of director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas and share her experience with the world; Betty Brennan – who was a practicing Satanist for years, until she realized the tragic consequences for her family and the great damage it had done, and returned to the Church with a determination to help others wake up to the dangers around us; Tim Staples – an entertaining and engaging speaker, this man spent years of intense study of Holy Scripture and history which brought him to his work in evangelism and apologetics.
Other speakers and some of the subjects they address include: Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J. – explains The New Missal Translations (This far-reaching change in liturgy will take place on the First Sunday of Advent in 2011.); Vinny Flynn – Healing and Holiness and Seven Secrets of the Eucharist; Dr. Ray Guarendi – Why Be Catholic; Sr. Mary Eucharista, S.M.M.C. – The Church as Mystery; Susan Tassone – A Guide to Saving Grace and The Burning Truth About Purgatory; Rick Sarkisian – The Gift of the Present Moment and St. Joseph and the Path to Interior Freedom, Peace and Happiness.
A favorite feature of the Conference is the Vendor Hall with a great variety of religious articles, art, books, music, CDs and DVDs and much more on sale.
Registration is necessary to participate in the Conference. For additional information, a complete schedule of speakers and program events, and to register, go to www.catholicfamilyconference.org., call 316-618-9787, or email to midwconf@cox.net.
Early discount rates are available if registration is completed by July 15.  Mention of the Midwest Catholic Family Conference will secure special rates when one registers at designated hotels near the Conference location.