daec2008logo.jpg The Diocesan Adult Enrichment Conference (DAEC) will take place Sunday, Nov. 2 through Monday, Nov. 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. The DAEC is held every other autumn and is sponsored by the Office for Catechesis in the Department of Catechetical Ministries. It is made possible, in part, by the Annual Catholic Services Appeal.
The theme of this year's DAEC is "A Steward's Way" and its goal is to help participants better understand the concept of stewardship and to encourage them to make it a way of life. Although all Catholic school teachers attend on at least one of the two days, the DAEC is open to any adult who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, said Chris Malmevik, associate director for Catechesis.
Sunday's schedule runs from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. and includes a keynote address, three break-out session times, lunch and dinner, afternoon Mass and a concert by David Haas. Monday's schedule runs from 7 a.m. through 4 p.m. and includes another keynote address, morning Mass, lunch, three break-out session times and a closing address.
This year's break-out leaders include members of the curia staff and a variety of speakers from around the country. Additionally, dozens of exhibits from various publishers, bookstores and organizations will be open from 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and from 7 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. on Monday.
Keynote speaker Matthew Kelly will present both mornings. On Sunday he'll address "Is Catholicism Still Relevant?" and will discuss why Catholicism is being so openly attacked and rejected. He will seek to help listeners set aside their preconceptions about Catholicism and experience it on a whole new practical and inspiring level.
On Monday morning, Kelly will help attendees become a "better version" of themselves, while examining the four aspects of the human person: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Finally, on Monday afternoon, Bishop George J. Lucas will give the closing address, speaking about "The Gift You Have Received, Give as a Gift." (Matt. 10:8)
One unique aspect of this year's event will be Father Daniel J. Mahan's sessions entitled "Stewardship as Spirituality," said Malmevik. Sunday sessions will be open to all participants, while Monday's sessions will be limited to priests, parish administrators and parish life coordinators. "That will allow those individuals to feel more comfortable asking specific questions about their own parishes," Malmevik said.
DAEC has been held as a regularly-scheduled event, in some form or fashion since 1978. Conference registration packets will be available beginning in August, said Malmevik.
Conference fees are $50 for the entire conference or $40 for Sunday or Monday during early registration (through Oct. 3) and a full fee (after Oct. 3) of $55 for the entire conference or $45 for Sunday or Monday only. To qualify for a registration discount, 2008 DAEC registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 3.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel is offering a special conference rate and the nearby Holiday Inn Express is offering a limited number of rooms on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations should be made directly with the hotels by Oct. 10 by calling the phone numbers listed in the registration packet.
For more information on DAEC, including registration information or to obtain a registration packet, contact Chris Malmevik at (217) 698-8500, ext. 178 or .