It’s easy to lose sight of the “big picture” in the day-to-day business of raising a family and making a marriage work. This inaugural diocesan conference aims to deepen the understanding of marriage and family life as a vocation from God and encourage an appreciation of its many dimensions. Through a combination of plenary sessions and workshops, this conference will explore the Church’s rich vision of marriage and family life as it relates to topics such as the theology of the body, communication and intimacy, financial stewardship, responsible parenthood, dealing with infertility, and raising teens. A series of workshops also will be presented in Spanish. This conference is for adults of all ages and circumstances; married couples, couples preparing for marriage, single parents, college students, clergy, pastoral ministers and anyone else interested in enriching their understanding of the vocation of marriage and family life.

Schedule

9:00 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast

10:00 AM Welcome Fred & Lisa Everett

Plenary Session One: The Vocation of Marriage Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

10:50 AM Break

11:15 AM Workshop Session One

• Introduction to the Theology of the Body Lisa Marino

• Dealing with Infertility in Marriage Dave & Suzy Younger

• Marriage & Finances: Setting a Solid Foundation Harry Verhiley

• Parenting Teenagers in the Virtues Cindy Black

• La Vocación al Matrimonio

12:05 PM Lunch

12:55 PM Plenary Session Two: Life-Giving Love Prof. Janet E. Smith

2:00 PM Break

2:25 PM Workshop Session Two

• Building a Culture of Life through the Theology of the Body Tom & Mary Akre

• NaProTechnology: New Hope for Couples with Infertility Brad Ferrari, MD & Mary Ramsey, PA

• Communication & Intimacy in Marriage Lisa Everett

• Challenges in the First Years of Marriage John & Monica Sikorski

• La Teología del Cuerpo Margarita Rodriguez

3:15 PM Break

3:40 PM Workshop Session Three

• Theology of the Body: What the Pope Couldn’t Say Fr. Bob Lengerich

• Spiritual Parenthood Bill & Elizabeth Kirk

• Communication & Intimacy in Marriage Lisa Everett

• Pearls of Wisdom: What 46 Years of Marriage Have Taught Us Dan & Annette Stobierski

• Comunicación en el Matrimonio Fred Everett

4:30 PM Day Conference Concludes

5:00 PM Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart Bishop John M. D Arcy

6:15 PM Social with cash bar opens

7:00 PM Banquet & Talk by Prof. Smith: Seeking Holiness in Marriage & Family Life

Registration

You may register online or by mail or FAX. The registration fee of $35 per person for the day conference includes conference materials, continental breakfast, a boxed lunch and afternoon snacks. The evening banquet is an additional $25 per person. Please indicate your workshop preferences in order to assist in guaranteeing proper room space. College or graduate students are welcome to attend any of the plenary or workshop sessions at no cost.

Meal Preference & Dietary Restrictions

For the banquet, you have a choice of oven roasted garlic herb pork loin or Greek cheese and spinach stuffed chicken breast which should be indicated at registration. Also, please indicate if you have special dietary restrictions.

Payment Options

Registration and credit card information will be transmitted through secure and encrypted channels. For more information, you may call the center at (574) 631-6691.

About the Main Speakers

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades

Prof. Janet E. Smith