When Bishop Gerard Bergie of the Diocese of St. Catharines, Ontario announced in 2010 at the Regional CWL Convention that he wanted to see the flames of the Holy Spirit set its Diocese on fire – it sparked an idea.
“We had just established Branches Catholic Ministries as a not-for-profit, lay organization in the St. Catharines diocese with our mission of ‘bringing Catholic faith to modern culture’ and this calling was very timely,” explained co-founding director, Robert Hendriks.
Branches Catholic Ministries decided to sponsor an engaging Catholic conference, Regenerate(d), and this year, it takes place from Oct. 3-4, 2015 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
This year’s theme, “Speak of My Mercy” will address the message of Divine Mercy and why the Church teaches that Confession or Reconciliation is the only answer to healing in a hurting and broken world.
“Many people turn to counterfeit measures to resolve or escape their pain and problems such as using alcohol or drugs, materialism and new age philosophies – only to find things become worse,” explains Hendriks. “The speakers will address the modern day cover-up of sin, idolatry and new age in our culture, and their message has never been more relevant or more needed.”
Regenerated 2015 will be hosting internationally-renowned Catholic speakers, including:
- Father Larry Richards…who challenges men to “stand up” for their faith and to become examples and leaders in their families with respect to faith and morals
- Sharon Lee Giganti…a former Hollywood actress will share her testimony about dabbling in the occult and new age and the terrible consequences she experienced
- Vinny Flynn…the best-selling author of 7 Secrets of Confession
- Elizabeth Scalia…a well-known author and blogger recently invited by the Vatican to discuss blogging for the faith will challenge us about the idols we are serving in today’s culture
- Dr. Taylor Marshall…voted top Catholic speaker, author and teacher will speak about the price of our anger
Hendriks cites three reasons why someone should sign up for the conference: engaging and dynamic speakers with relevant messages and life-changing direction to help attendees find true happiness and healing; beautiful music and moving celebrations of the Sacraments, and; a shared “experience” of faith-enriching moments with many others leaving attendees recharged and regenerated.
The Conference is open to anyone, which means the attendees range from ages 15 to 95. From clergy to educators to everyday Catholics, the conference welcomes anyone to attend – including young couples.
“Last year, we had a gentleman propose to his wife-to-be, and she accepted! They were then called up at Mass on the Sunday to have a special blessing extended upon them by Bishop Bergie,” explains Hendriks.
A special invitation has been extended to CCSTA members to receive a 25% discount off the registration fee down to $55, and they can do so by reaching out directly to the Branches staff at .
“Note that the byline of the Conference is, ‘We come to be healed. We come to be educated. We come to be regenerated’,” says Hendriks. “So there is an explicit calling to be educated, which would hopefully ring well with CCSTA members.”
For more information about the conference, please visit the Conference website.
Categories:
Leave a comment