GRAFTON —"Mary, Queen of Peace, here I am, show me the way" is the theme for the 86th annual Springfield in Illinois Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) convention to be held at Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center, Oct. 29, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. For overnight accomodations, call (618) 786-2331.

Keynote speaker will be internationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, storyteller and vocalist ValLimar Jansen.

Singing sacred music since age 5, and professionally since age 6, Jansen studied at Howard University and holds professional degrees from California State University and the University of California. Jansen's published collections include You Gotta Move, Anointing and Give God the Glory.

Returning by popular demand is nationally-recognized speaker and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member Theresa Shank Grentz. Her new book, Lessons Learned from Playing a Child's Game will be available at the event. Grentz is a former women's basketball coach at the University of Illinois.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will concelebrate Mass with diocesan priests followed by the luncheon. During the luncheon, the 2014 SDCCW Scholarship winners and their parents will be introduced. The recipients and their high school are: Emma Anderson, Hillsboro High School; Maria Climaco, Arcola High School, Julie Conrad, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, Springfield; and Margaret Mumm, St. Anthony High School, Effingham.

For convention registration forms or questions, please contact your parish office, parish CCW president, SDCCW President Alma Frohock, , (618) 363-1539, or Joyce Knodle, , (217) 538-2085. Registration is still available at $55 and on-site registration will also be available. Clergy and religious may attend for $20. Checks should be payable to SDCCW.