This is Why We Are Catholic
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Mission Statement:
To invigorate the Catholics of Western Massachusetts with an annual conference that will nourish families and parishes with the beauty of the Catholic Faith by proclaiming, “This is Why We Are Catholic.”
Vision Statement:
Drawing upon the faith of our Catholic parishes and our Catholic heritage in Western Massachusetts, the Catholic Life Conference offers a feast for Catholics who desire the love of God. As a Church we are nourished by Divine Revelation, Sacred Scripture, and Sacred Tradition; the Catholic Life Conference will display “All Things Catholic,” bringing to mind what we love about our faith. A full day of speakers, presentations, and the sacraments will remind us that we are part of a Church much bigger than it may seem in our busy lives and separate parishes. In the face of discouragement and past hurts, this is a day of hope. The Catholic Life Conference intends to motivate us to live and love our faith so that the Church will sustain its truth, beauty, and integrity for generations to come. This is why we are Catholic. -
A DAY FOR EVERYONE
The Catholic Life Conference invites men, women, children, teens, young adults, and seniors, to come together as a diocese and as a church. This is one big day for everyone. Together we will receive inspiration and food for the journey ahead so that we—each one of us—can say, “This is Why I am Catholic!”
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Our Logo
This logo design began with the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in mind. The Sacred Heart is among the most familiar and moving of Catholic devotional images making it quickly and easily recognizable. And it is a powerful image because of what it represents - Christ’s burning love for us.
In this logo design, the flames traditionally seen above the heart are transformed to incorporate a dove, representing the gift of the Holy Spirit. The blue and red rays eminating from the pierced heart represent the blood and water that gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us. They are meant to remind us of God’s Divine Mercy, a devotion promoted locally at The National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA.
The combination of elements from the Sacred Heart and image of Divine Mercy bring together the power of God’s love and mercy.
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The Catholic Life Conference has been guided and supported by our Bishop, Mitchell Rozanski
This Catholic Life Conference will focus on how important it is to be Catholic and the treasure in which we all share, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. I’m also extremely pleased to let you know that the keynote speakers for the event will be none other than Scott and Kimberly Hahn from the Saint Paul Center of Biblical Theology in Steubenville Ohio. Scott and Kimberly are dynamic speakers and really capture the true meaning of Sacred Scripture and Catholic Tradition.
-Bishop Mitchell
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Hard-working Committee to get a Conference for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is this conference for?
The Catholic Life Conference is focused on the Springfield Diocese of Massachusetts to give Catholics in Western Massachusetts a reminder of the many gifts we have received right here in our own Catholic Churches.
All Catholics of Western Massachusetts are invited—please come! If you are from another diocese or state, you are certainly welcome. If you are over 50, this conference is for you. If you are under 30, this conference is for you. If you are single, this conference is for you. Men, this conference is for you! Women, you too! Teens—we have had you in mind—we think you’ll love it. Families and children—this is a fabulous day for you to experience together. Whoever you are, we want you to come. This is for all of us, all in one day.
This is expensive when I count in my children. Is there assistance available?
We are offering a household cap at $150.00, which we hope will help you bring your whole family. If you are seeking assistance, please call (413) 768-0698 or email catholiclifeconference@gmail.com.
We also hope that you will help us make this conference break even financially by considering that your registration fee is a donation to keeping the Catholic Church strong!
I have special dietary needs. Can I request accordingly?
Non-meat sandwiches will be among the lunch choices. Other than that we are unable to provide for special needs.
I would like to be a vendor. How do I do that?
Click here for our vendor page or call Karen Yestramski at (413) 768-0698
Are vendors able to participate in the talks?
Vendors are welcome to attend the programs. Your vendor registration fee covers the attendance of two adults.
Who put this conference together? Is Catholic Life Conference a local organization?
Catholic Life Conference, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation formed under the direction of the Diocese of Springfield in cooperation with the Bishop and his staff. However, Catholic Life Conference is a separate entity, formed expressly for the purpose of providing an annual conference for the Catholics of Western Massachusetts. Under the leadership of its president, April Helenek, and a board drawing upon Catholics throughout the Diocese, the Catholic Life Conference receives its spiritual direction from Fr. Michael Pierz of St. John the Evangelist in Agawam. This conference is given by Catholics and is for all Catholics here in Western Massachusetts.
How do I contribute ideas for “Look At Us”?
“Look At Us” is a compilation of highlights from our parishes and ministries. Your liaison will be working with your pastor to decide how to showcase your church for this video/slideshow that will be viewed at the conference. We will welcome your ideas! Please see your parish liaison or click here to tell us what is wonderful about your church.
Will my teen have fun or will he or she be bored?
We have chosen our speakers with young adults in mind and that includes your teen. We invite teens to participate in the main program, with opportunities that may especially appeal to them: Hudson Byblow whose talk offers insight on navigating the world of sexual appetite and fluidity, loneliness and anxiety, the encounter with God and the life of virtue. We also recommend the performance by Popple for teens who would enjoy the kid humor and entertainment.
Please note: teens are needed as volunteers for the children’s program! Join our Totus Tuus volunteers for an active day of making the faith alive through stories and games. Either way, we expect that your teenager will be glad he or she came.
Can people from outside the Diocese attend?
Absolutely. We want everyone to come! Just register online and invite your friends. We have space for everyone.
I’d like to promote my business. How can I advertise in the program?
We will be offering advertising space in our program to help offset the cost of the conference. If you would like to have your ad in the program, please call Joanne Dowdy at (413) 768-0698 or email her at catholiclifeconference@gmail.com, or click here to find out pricing and/or reserve ad space.
I’d like to be a donor to support this conference. How do I do that?
You can support the Catholic Life Conference with an underwriting gift. Donation tiers are in honor of the conference’s patron saints! Be a part of our mission by choosing your tier: Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joseph, St. Benedict, or Mother Teresa. We would love to hear from you! Contact Karen Yestramski: call (413)768-0698 or email her at catholiclifeconference@gmail.com, or click here for pricing and information.
How can I volunteer?
We are looking for volunteers and would love your help! Come be part of the team. Click here for volunteer information. To make this conference a success we are in need of a large crew of wonderful, enthusiastic helpers!! Volunteers will need to pay the conference registration fee, but we promise you the fun of being actively involved as an act of love. Plus, a free t-shirt!
Is there a registration deadline, refund or discount?
Deadline - Lunch is only guaranteed IF YOU REGISTER BY MARCH 10, 2020. We can accept registration up to and including the day of the Conference.
Refunds - We are only funded by registrations, vendors, advertisements and sponsors.
Due to the fact that the costs to run the conference is contingent on the registrations made - including lunch, fees, materials needed, etc. - we have to have a No-Refund policy in place.
However, if you are unable to attend the conference due to circumstances beyond your control and you are able to let us know before the date of the conference there are three options available:
1. You could donate your registration for someone to attend the conference that could not afford to come
2. You could get a free registration for the next conference being held by the Catholic Life Conference
3. You could donate the money to the Catholic Life Conference to be used as acknowledged sponsorship in other areas
Discounts- We would like anyone that wants to come to be able to come! We do not have the ability to discount registrations or vendor tables however we are happy to work with you and find sponsorships for any amount you are not able to pay. Just contact us and we can direct you to the right people that have expressed interest in helping in this regard.
Please note: This conference is 100% volunteer-based in order to make this day a reality.
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