This year’s agenda looks fantastic. Here are the details from this year’s press release:

The Edith Stein Project is an annual, student-run conference at the University of Notre Dame that sprung from a recognition of widespread degradation of the dignity of women and aims to both identify these degradations and recover a true understanding of masculinity and femininity. In contemporary society, there exists a significant movement towards the objectification of relationships and sexuality, which affects women in a profound and unique way.  This trend has caused a crisis in the recognition of true dignity and identity of the human person, leaving many people physically, emotionally, and spiritually broken.  While this phenomenon affects the world at large, this crisis is strikingly evident in relationships most immediate to us: personal friendships, marriages, and families. Human dignity, of both men and women, is always realized in community and reference to each other. As Pope Benedict noted in his most recent Encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, “As a spiritual being, the human creature is defined through interpersonal relations. The more authentically he or she lives these relations, the more his or her own personal identity matures, (53).” For this reason, this year’s conference will focus on women and men in community with one another.

St. Edith Stein, the patroness of the conference, took an interest in the philosophical study of human identity, gender, and relationships, writing about the nature of men and woman, the individual and community, and human empathy.  This year, the Edith Stein Project will examine the role of human relationships in the unique identity of each person, considering what it truly means to be a man or a woman while utilizing the riches of the Catholic Church’s teachings on sexuality and authentic personhood.  The conference will include presentations on a wide variety of topics, including masculinity and femininity, marriage, the family, sexual violence, and eating disorders.  We hope that the conference will compel individuals to examine the true meaning of what it is to be human, and ways in which authentic human dignity is upheld, taking to heart Edith Stein’s words: “The nation… doesn’t simply need what we have.  It needs what we are.”

We invite you to join in the discussion of human identity and relationships at the fifth annual Edith Stein Project, entitled “No Man is an Island: Creature, Culture, and Community.”

For additional details or to register, visit http://nd.edu/%7Eidnd/edithstein/index.html

The Third Annual Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference “Faith, Hope and Love” will be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at the Ohio State Expo Center Lausche Building.  Speakers will include Coleen Kelly Mast, author, public speaker, and radio talk show host of “The Doctor Is In”, Mother Assumpta Long, mother superior of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist religious order, and Terri Palokovic, executive director of ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women).  Bishop Campbell will celebrate Mass with us and our day will include lunch and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

For more information and registration details, visit the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference website.

Like many of you, I have admired Dr. Coleen’s work on her terrific Ave Maria Radio program, “The Doctor is In”.  But there is much more to know and love about this terrific wife and mother of five.    Her professional bio from TMG Speakers gives a great overview of the breadth of her expertise:

Coleen Kelly Mast, an author, public speaker and radio talk show host, is a pioneer in the field of chastity education. Dr. Mast currently hosts a popular call-in radio advice show, The Doctor Is In produced and syndicated by Ave Maria Radio for more than 100 stations of the Catholic Radio Association, EWTN and Sirius Satellite Radio. She provides Catholic-flavored practical solutions to callers who seek her advice on a variety of personal, spiritual and family problems.

Mast holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Quincy University, a Masters Degree in Health Education and Secondary teaching certificates in four specialty fields: Theology, Health, Physical Education and Science. She has taught at the elementary, junior high and high school levels and has been involved in Family Life Education since 1975.

Mast has written both the ‘Love and Life’ and ‘Sex Respect’ chastity education programs, which include books, seminars and videos for teachers, teens and parents. Mast’s programs have been sold in 23 countries and all 50 states. She has appeared on Oprah, Geraldo, Mother Angelica Live, 60 Minutes, andat Steubenville High School Youth Conferences. Mast has debated the Presidents of SEICUS and Planned Parenthood on television and debated ACLU representatives on public radio.

She assisted with the writing of the USCC Bishops 1992 document on Human Sexuality Education Guidelines, and in 1997 Mast was one of four people from the United States invited to the Vatican by the Pontifical Council for the Family for an in-depth study of the ‘Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality’ document when it was released. Based on those teachings and the need for additional parent catechesis today, her ‘Love and Life’ Parent and Teen Series was updated for 2006 complete with Imprimatur and published by Ignatius Press.

She has been married for 30 years to Kent Mast. They have five children and live in Illinois.

Several times a month, I find myself referring parents who contact me to Coleen’s website at www.SexRespect.com.  Her resources, aimed at providing a Christian moral framework for sexual abstinence, are a life saver for families struggling with the pressures placed on today’s teens by their peers and society.  While I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Coleen Kelly Mast in person, I remain a tremendous fan of her work and thank Matthew Warner for the opportunity to introduce this Catholic speaking champion to our readers.

Gracious God, you have made us a family.  
Thank you for choosing us to be together.
We want to listen more closely, 
to care more tenderly, 
to act more courageously,
so that we may do our part in building your Kingdom, bringing peace and compassion.
Filled with your Spirit, send us forth to be the Body of Christ to to all we meet.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Source: Catholic Parent KnowHow: Preparing Your Child for Baptism

Congrats to my friend and awesome Catholic musician Bryan Murdaugh sharing the good news about his ministry group 5thousand.  It seems that the guys, Bryan and Mike, will be making a big splash at the upcoming NCYC.  I’m still trying to figure out how to get someone to sponsor my attendance at this mega event for Catholic youth  (LOL – big sponsors, I promise to wear your patches and stickers all over my body if you’ll just pay for me to go!).  Anyway, just in case you’re lucky enough to be going, be sure to check out 5thousand and tell Bryan I said hello!

Kansas City, MO, — The event ministry group 5thousand will be saying “hello” to teenagers from around the country at the Kansas City Convention Center on November 19th, 2009. As the exhibit hall – known to participants as the “Reign Forest” – opens, Mike Sylvester and Bryan Murdaugh (the co-founders and principals of the ministry) will be greeting and challenging young people to live their faith, just as they do in the events that they put on for Dioceses and Parishes in their travels. Sylvester, a seasoned youth minister and vibrant speaker, said “the conference is really the first chance we’ve had to introduce ourselves on the National level, and it’s really exciting.” Though the duo has been running retreats, rallies, prayer services, and other ministry work as 5thousand for about a year, they hope that exhibiting at the National Catholic Youth Conference will enable them to share the Gospel with young people in an increasing number of parishes, schools, and at large diocesan events.

5thousand focuses on being an all-inclusive event ministry. They specialize in covering the planning from start to finish, helping coordinate themes and then running the entire event. Murdaugh, a Catholic worship leader, recording artist, speaker, and parish youth minister says “we really are soup-to-nuts. When we arrive for an event we want the local team to relax and know that everything will be taken care of. You bring the teens, we bring the rest.”

To find out more information about 5thousand’s offerings and events, visit their website at www.5thousand.com.

Thanks to Karina Fabian of the Catholic Writers Guild for sharing this great information on their innovative online conference.  I am going to be a presenter for this year’s conference and am looking forward to attending!  Here are the preliminary details:

World Wide Web–Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 26-March 5, 2010. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register between October 1, 2009 and February 15, 2010.

Workshops and live online chats cover the gamut of writing topics from idea generation to marketing a published novel, traditional and self-publishing, article writing and fiction, and much more. In addition, prominent Catholic publishers will hear pitches, giving authors an unprecedented opportunity to chat personally despite living hundreds or thousands of miles away.

The conferences draw hundreds of participants and scores of editors and writing professionals from all over the country. Here’s what attendees had to say:

“The Catholic Writers’ Conference Online opened a world of possibilities to me the Catholic writer. The quality of speakers was excellent and ‘excellent’ is a word I rarely use. The opportunity to pitch to Catholic publishers was a great learning experience. Prayer times during the day centered me on the tasks at hand yet lifted me out of myself to the plights of others. Single best move I’ve taken to further my writing!” Maureen Locher, www.MaureenLocher.com–copy editor and columnist, Mom Writer’s Literary Magazine

“Gas prices are high. Writers’ conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!”  Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book, jewelsamples.blogspot.com

“On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn’t have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal,” said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers’ Guild.

Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. Non-Catholics are also invited to attend, as long as they respect Catholic beliefs.

To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

When I think back on the year 2009 and my wonderful experiences hearing Catholic speakers this year, many stand out for me.  Fr. Dave Dwyer, Danielle Bean and Patrick Madrid at this year’s Catholic New Media Celebration were incredible!  At this year’s Congress in Anaheim, I was able to hear Mark Hart, Fr. Jim Martin, and Dave Durand – three of my absolute heroes.  I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing Fr. Corapi or Dr. Hahn (or his incredible wife Kimberly Hahn) in person – those names remain on my wish list!!  And of course, I have to give props to my SQPN family, Fr. Roderick, Dr. Paul Camarata, Jeff Young, Joe McClane, Fr. Leo and Greg and Jennifer Willits.

This list is also a terrific resource if you are looking for a speaker for your parish or organization event.  Thanks again to Matthew Warner for coming up with this idea!

Who is the best Catholic speaker of 2009?

How’s this for being bold? Deacon Tom says he’s doing a Plug for Jesus. What do you think? By the way, have you been to Adoration lately?

This week, Sarah Reinhard has a prayer from Our Lady of Akita.  You can learn more about Our Lady of Akita at the summary page at EWTN, or you can read about the miracles and drama in the more in-depth coverage at Mary Pages and Catholic Tradition.

Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Terry Polakovic:
  • ENDOW Online
  • ENDOW – Facebook, Twitter, Blog
  • Catholic Women’s Conference
• The Lost and Found Family
• Catechetical Sunday 2009
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests – Truth for Teens Contest
• SQPN Connect
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Catholic Company
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, SQPN Connect Page, Plurk, Twitter
• Catholic Mom Logo Store

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Kudos to my friend Lisa Umina and the whole team at Halo Publishing for their participation in this weekend’s Catholic Family Fest – sounds like a blast!   We have enjoyed interviewing many Halo authors (and Lisa too!) for the podcast.  Here’s some information on this weekend’s event.

Inspiring Young Readers to Make Our World a Better Place are Common Themes Among Halo Publishing International Authors.

Independent local writers of such works as “Gracelynn Goes To School,” “I’m Thankful,” “Auntie’s House,” “Remembering ‘D’” and “Milo and the Green Wagon” will share their important messages this year during the ninth annual Catholic Family FEST, Aug. 9 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, Ohio. The daylong gathering and celebration of faith and family embraces solid values and promotes dignity and respect among all people.

Halo Publishing International encourages its authors to foster personal growth while making a difference in our society and several published writers will be available during the FEST to talk about their books and what inspired the stories. The loving, giving and caring “Milo” character from Halo Founder Lisa Umina’s books will make a special appearance. Halo author “Jungle” Bob Tuma also will perform a live animal presentation.

FEST organizers say the event, expected to draw nearly 30,000 Christians, is about inspiring the next generation of leaders and active members of both the local and spiritual communities, a mission Halo Publishing International supports. Umina, a Cleveland area native, said the company’s authors are committed to spreading their hopeful messages and thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of a large recognized spiritual event designed to do just that.

“Jungle” Bob Tuma, who penned “BobTails,” and other Halo authors attending the Fest include Natalie Friedl, “Help Me Pray Today;” Victoria Pisano, “Straight Street to Heaven” and “Spiration of  Love;” Kristen Wygle, “Gracelynn Goes To School;” Crista Stewart, “The Little Frog;” Debra Cavanaugh, “Max and Morgan’s ABC’s,;” The “D” Team, “Remembering “D”;” and Danielle Schillero, “God is With Me.”  Biographical information about these authors and descriptions of their books are available at www.halopublishing.com. Interviews can be arranged by calling  (216) 255-6756 or (877) 705-9647.

Halo Publishing International was established in 2002 as a full capacity publishing house and has been contributing to the success of many new and up-and-coming authors ever since. Their offices in USA and Mexico specialize in designing, producing, publishing and marketing books for independent authors. HPI offers writers around the world the highest level of professional publishing services they specialize in publishing books inspirational books for all ages.

Links for this Episode:

• Music by Sarah Bauer
• Vote for Catholic Moments at the Catholic New Media Awards
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Catholic Company
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, Plurk, Twitter
• Catholic Mom Logo Store

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Orange, NJ, May 26, 2009—Parents are often times worried about who and what influences their children: the media, peer groups, the Internet, popular culture, even school textbooks. At the first annual Sacred H.E.A.R.T. (Homeschooler’s Educational Alliance of Roman Catholics in the Tri-state Area) convention, parents will learn what it means to raise children in a Catholic culture.

The Sacred H.E.A.R.T. convention will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at St. John the Evangelist parish in Orange. The convention is designed to assist and edify both veteran and new Catholic homeschoolers in the Tri-state and New England areas, as well as other parents and families seeking guidance and support in raising their children in a Catholic culture. Distinguished speakers will teach parents how to educate their children in the Catholic Faith, how to teach their children morals and values, how to create a Catholic home life, and how to train the next generation of Catholic leaders. Participants will also be able to visit vendor booths, to ask questions of Catholic college representatives, to listen to classical music, and to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Speakers include Damon Owens, founder of God’s Plan for a Joy-Filled Marriage program and a frequent guest on EWTN; Steven Greydanus, film critic for the National Catholic Register and founder of DecentFilms.com; Martha Nowik, a homeschooling mother of 10 and a professional church musician; Mary Daly, founder of Ye Hedge School; and Dylan McDonald, founder of The Family Cloister Learning Center. Workshops will cover a range of topics including a presentation by Kate Daneluk, co-founder of Making Music, Praying Twice, an early childhood music program for families to use at home. Other workshops include “Helping Your Child to Write” and “Teaching the Struggling Learner.” There will also be a Questions and Answers panel for pre-teen, junior high and high school students.

Damon Owens will speak on solid marriages as the foundation for raising children who will positively impact the culture. “The common good of marriage as the foundation of a just society is no longer part of the common sense of our culture. The Sacred H.E.A.R.T. convention is the perfect place to explore why the family is the source of all culture, why marriage is the source of the family, and how our Catholic faith and identity animates these vocations.”

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available and an adoration chapel will be accessible for reflection and prayer. The Angelus will be prayed at noon and an organ recital will be offered by Domecq Smith on the parish’s historic 1879 Hook and Hastings organ. The closing Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend John Myers, Archbishop of Newark, with music offerings by the combined St. John the Evangelist parish choirs and the Little Way Homeschool Choir. Refreshments will be available for purchase, but attendees are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages.

Registration is offered at a significant discount if postmarked by June 10, 2009. Free childcare is available for children under the age of ten but only for those who preregister.

For more information or to register, visit www.HeartConvention.org or call 732-388-9719. Early registration fees are as follows: $25 per couple, $20 for a single adult, $5 for children ages 10-18. After June 10, 2009, the prices will be $40 per couple, $30 for a single adult, $5 for children ages 10-18. All priests and religious are free.

A huge thanks to my friend Sean for this great video that will get you excited to join us in San Antonio!

Laguna Niguel, CA, April 15, 2009 – Without relationships, surviving amidst the ups and downs of life can be incredibly lonely. Whether you seek professional networking or romantic connections, if you’re a single adult today, you’re no doubt seeking to understand your purpose and place in this world. And let’s face it, there aren’t many opportunities to meet other single adults in environments which honor morality, dignity and faithfulness. The first of several conferences geared towards single Catholics is hoping to change that.

The first annual Catholic Thrive conference will be held May 22-24, 2009 in Anaheim, CA. Perfectly timed to take place over Memorial Day weekend and conveniently located across from Disneyland, the setting of Thrive will be a meeting place for single men and women who are interested in expanding their professional and social networks while enriching their Catholic faith. And if new friendships lead to life-long relationships, then Thrive founders believe these new conferences could fill a real gap in the Church.

“Never before has there been a conference of this kind for singles and young adults,” says Dave Sloan, co-founder and emcee of Catholic Thrive. “Young adults are essential members of the Church, but do not often know their place within the Church. The mission of Thrive is to help Catholic singles and young adults celebrate the very best that life has to offer by connecting them to one another, to God, and to the Catholic Church.”

Talks over the weekend will include those on faith in the workplace, service, growing closer to Christ, faith in Hollywood, and dating. Presenters include actress Jessica Rey, psychologist Phil Mango, sales guru John Labriola, Fathers Agustino Torres, C.F.R. and Tim Hepburn as well as speakers who are specialists in professional networking, relationship advice and theology.

A praise and worship band, gala dance and fundraiser, and service project will enhance the weekend for those seeking additional networking and fellowship opportunities in the heart of Disneyland.

Dr. Gary Chapman, one of the leading relationship experts and author of the newly released book titled, The Five Love Languages Singles Edition said this about the single life, “Every human has the emotional need to feel loved. When this need is met, we move out to reach our potential for God and our potential for good in the world. However, when we feel unloved, we struggle just to survive.”

The Founders of Catholic Thrive hope to encourage young adults to acknowledge this “emotional need” and meet it through successful professional and social relationships. Their vision is for the Thrive conferences to take place on a regular basis, in areas of the country with high percentages of active Catholics, as well as tourist attractions nearby to enhance the social quality of the weekends. There will be two conferences in 2009, in Anaheim over Memorial Day weekend, and in Manhattan over Labor Day weekend.

Catholic Thrive is a service of CatholicSingles.com, the original online dating website created exclusively for Catholic single adults. CatholicSingles.com offers numerous safe, secure and comfortable methods for its members to meet and get to know each other over the Internet. CatholicSingles.com has signed up over half a million members since its inception in 1997 and is humbled by the many long-term relationships, engagements and marriages for which it is responsible.