“Christ excluded no one,” Anne Marie Dust exclaimed. She was referring to the promotional materials in parish bulletins that especially invited women in their 20s through 40s to attend.
“The reason we are reaching out to women in that age range particularly is research-based and practical. Research-based because, according to CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate), women in that age range are making decisions for themselves and their whole families about the role of Catholicism in their everyday lives. We want to equip women to make informed decisions. But let me underscore that every woman is welcome.”
Massachusetts-based Pat Gohn headlines the daylong women’s conference Sept. 13 at the Chiara Center in Springfield for which registration is still available at www.cherishedheartconference.com. The award-winning author of Blessed, Beautiful, and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood, Gohn is a columnist, catechist and host of the Among Women podcast at PatGohn.com
In juggling so many aspects of her career, Gohn explains for which role her Catholic faith prepared her best:
“My faith is not separated from any of the parts or the roles of my life. My faith gets me up in the morning and sustains me every day. It’s like breathing. It’s the oxygen that fills me and brings me life. I was one of those gals who didn’t think she had a maternal bone in her body when she was growing up. But then when I had married and had our children. I found out that parenting is one of the most difficult things I would ever do — and the most worthwhile. Over time I grew into my motherhood — and I discovered a relationship with the Blessed Mother. Her love and guidance was a powerful consolation in my hands-on mothering years. Today, I’m learning that spiritual mothering is a profound calling. Not just in the family, but in bringing the life of God into the world, whether we are physical mothers or not. Again, Mary’s lead here is something I look up to.”
Early registration for $30 closes Aug. 31 After that, the price increases to $35. Registration will also be accepted at 8 a.m. at the door. Women are encouraged to register early to help ensure their lunch entree and be guaranteed to sit with any family or friends who accompany them.
More information is available online at www.cherishedheartconference.com or on their Facebook page.