It’s always nice to gather together with lots of like-minded Catholics from around the country and even the world. We weren’t meant to be islands unto ourselves. We need community and we need fellowship and we need each other to learn how to live our faith the way it was meant to be lived.
I asked my confreres to help me in compiling a list (non-exhaustive) of some need-to-know Catholic or pro-life gatherings for young and old alike around the country, no matter the time of year. If there’s one in your area, or not, get yourself there and get to know other members of the Body of Christ! Some have already occurred this year or late last year, so be sure to stay tuned for future dates.
If you know of any more gatherings, conferences or shindigs, add to the list in the comments section and share!
March for Life (Washington, D.C.)
Website: www.marchforlife.org
Every January, hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers descend into the nation’s capital to witness for life at all stages from conception to natural death. The most recent march even welcomed speeches from senior advisor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway, and for the first time ever, a sitting Vice-President, Mike Pence.
Next Event: January 19, 2018
Love and Life Conference (Omaha, NE)
Website: https://www.popepaulvi.com/loveandlifeconference
“The Love & Life Unlimited Conference was created to ponder, promote, proclaim the Catholic vision of reproduction health care. Sponsored by the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction in Omaha, Nebraska. Help build a strong foundation in your area for NaProTechnology and the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System.”
Next Event: April 3-7, 2017
Fullness of Truth Conference (Various)
Website: https://www.fullnessoftruth.org/
“By deepening and enriching the faith of thousands of Catholics and non-Catholics each year, through Catholic conferences, parish events, webinars, bible study, and our book and gift store, Fullness of Truth™ fulfills its MISSION to promote and share the inestimable gift and irrefutable truth of the Roman Catholic Faith with all. Though with sincere charity and reverence, as in the spirit of 1st Peter 3:15. We are delighted to serve the Church in the work of the New Evangelization.
From its inception in 2001, Fullness of Truth™ has prayerfully sought the heavenly patronage and intercession of two great Catholic evangelists: St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Francis De Sales, as we strive to lead people to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
Next Event(s):
Corpus Christi: March 2017;
San Antonio: August 2017;
Houston: October 2017
Steubenville Youth & Young Adult Conferences (Various)
Website: www.steubenvilleconferences.com
“Jesus gave St. Francis the mission to “Go, rebuild My Church.” That is the mission of Steubenville Conferences. We invite you to share our mission by helping us spread the word about our outreach and inviting people to have their own life-changing encounter with Jesus at one of our dynamic conferences.”
Various times and places throughout the year.
Ignited by Truth Catholic Conference (Raleigh, NC)
Website: https://ignitedbytruth.org/
“Mission: Bringing to light the truth of the teachings of the Catholic Church and igniting in all hearts a love for the Faith.
Our Vision: Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church to give His Grace to all people. We continue His Mission to spread the Good News of God’s Love. Our hope is that through this conference, more people will see the beauty of the great treasure that God has given to the world in the Catholic Faith.”
Next Event: February 24-25, 2017
Seek Conference, by FOCUS (Various)
Website: https://www.focus.org/what-we-do/conferences
‘What do you seek?’ (John 1:38)
“SEEK is an invitation to college students everywhere to explore life’s bigger questions: who we are, where we’re going and what we seek along the journey. As FOCUS’ national conference, SEEK encourages all students to come explore what they truly seek: to learn about the faith, to share in friendship, to be encouraged in their unique vocation — and to experience the love, hope and very real presence of Jesus Christ through His Church.
Hosted for five days every other year, SEEK gathers thousands of college students together from all across the country for a time of prayer, fellowship, engaging talks, inspiring entertainment — and, most importantly, a chance to encounter Christ in a life-changing way.”
Onething [Evangelical Conference that has a Catholic track](Kansas City, MO)
Website: https://majorchange.org/events/2016/10/17/catholic-ecumenical-track-at-onething-2016
“The Onething conference is a gathering of young adults who have purposed in their hearts to live with abandonment and devotion to Jesus. We invite you to join 20,000 young adults in Kansas City this December to encounter Jesus through extended times of worship, teaching of the Word, and ministry in the power of the Spirit.
Our primary aim as we gather is to encounter the majesty and beauty of Jesus, our glorious King, that we might go forth empowered to do His works, be His voice, and see many lives changed.”
Next Event: December 2017
West Coast Biblical Studies Conference (San Diego, CA)
Website: https://jpcatholic.edu/Biblical_Conference.php
Held in conjunction with John Paul the Great Catholic University and the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, the most recent conference, the 14th annual, addressed “The Book of Acts: How the Holy Spirit Leads the Church Through Hard Times.” It featured Scott Hahn, Michael Barber, John Bergsma, and John Kincaid.
Next Event: January 27-28, 2017
Abbey Youth Fest (Covington, LA)
Website: https://www.abbeyyouthfest.com/
“MISSION STATEMENT: The Abbey Youth Festival is an apostolic service of Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College. It is designed to provide young people with an opportunity to experience a day of prayer and faith formation with an exposure to the Benedictine tradition. Its focus is evangelization and vocational discernment by means of Liturgy, prayer, worship, music and education appropriate for Catholic young people ages 13 and up!
HISTORY: Abbey Youth Fest began in 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Chris Baglow and a dedicated seminarian task force. The seminarians of Saint Joseph Seminary College continue to play a vital part in the production of AYF in conjunction with the seminary staff. It has, in 12 short years, turned into the largest event in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, drawing nearly 250 different groups from all across the south and surpassing 4500 participants per year for the last few years. AYF is an event you don’t want to miss!”
Next Event: March 25, 2017
National Catholic Youth Conference (Indianapolis, IN)
Website: https://www.ncyc.info/about/index.htm
“In a distinctly Catholic setting the National Catholic Youth Conference invites participants to: Encounter Christ. Experience church. Be empowered for discipleship.
The National Catholic Youth Conference is a powerful, biennial, three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age) and their adult chaperones. More than 23,000 young people and their chaperones attended 2015 NCYC in Indianapolis.
The program includes keynote presentations, prayer, workshops, Mass, and opportunities to participate in reconciliation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as recreational activities, concerts, and exhibits. A key component of NCYC is the thematic park which is a blend of traditional exhibit booths with interactive areas featuring service projects, games, recreation, live musical performances, arts, and sports.
The 2017 National Catholic Youth Conference is November 16-18, back in Indianapolis, with the theme Called/Llamados.”
Next Event: November 16-18, 2017
Catholic Answers National Conference (San Diego, CA)
Website: www.catholicanswersconference.com
An apologetics conference. Join special guests Steve Weidenkopf, Devin Rose, along with Cy Kellet, Tim Staples, Jimmy Akin, Trent Horn, Karlo Broussard, and Christopher Check for Catholic Answers 2017 Conference, The Reunion of all Christians.
Next Event: September 28-30, 2017
John 6:35 Youth Retreat (Raleigh, NC)
Website: https://www.john635retreat.org/
“YOUTH 2000 began as a result of the Holy Father’s call at World Youth Day in 1989 in Compostella Spain for a decade of Evangelization of young people leading up to the New Millenium. A young Englishman, Ernest Williams, was inspired by the thought of having thousands of young people gathering around Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration.
In 2003, a group of parents and youth attended the YOUTH 2000 at Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland. In 2005, the first YOUTH 2000 was held in Raleigh with over 600 participants. The following year the name was changed to JOHN 6:35 (scripture verse “I Am The Bread Of Life”) and continues in the YOUTH 2000 format serving young people throughout North Carolina.”
Next Event: February 10-12, 2017
Catholic Charismatic 50th Anniversary Celebration Conference (Pittsburgh, PA)
Website: www.2017jubileeconference.org
“Jesus is Lord! Scripture tells us ‘no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit’ (1 Cor 12:3). It is this current of grace – baptism in the Holy Spirit that unites all of us in the Charismatic Renewal.
I invite all of you to the upcoming 50th Jubilee Conference of the Charismatic Renewal in Pittsburgh July 20-23, 2017. Now is the acceptable time, now is the Year of Jubilee. Come join the family reunion. Come unite with your brothers and sisters in the Lord; where rivers of living water flow leading us to recognize and cherish these charisms and to proclaim more than ever before with one voice, Jesus is Lord!”
Next Event: July 20-23, 2017
Edel Gathering (Austin, TX)
Website: https://www.edelgathering.com/
“The Edel Gathering’s mission is to provide women with spiritual refreshment through good wine and bad karaoke. This event was started by Hallie Lord and Jennifer Fulwiler after they found that they were yearning for an event that would connect them with their sisters in faith in an environment that was all about letting loose and having fun.
The spirituality of this event is from a Catholic perspective, but we invite all women to join us. Whether you’re on fire for Jesus or were lying awake last night wondering if you still think God exists, we’d love to have you. The only requirement is that you’re open to connecting with new friends and having some fun!”
Next Event: August 4-5, 2017
Catholic Men’s Conference (Columbus, OH)
Website: https://www.catholicmensministry.com/
A conference for the lay man and his particular vocation as a husband, father, and Catholic.
Next Event: February 25, 2017
Legacy of Beer (Sioux Falls, SD)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SiouxFallsLegacyBeer/?hc_location=ufi
See this great article from Alex Hey for the info on this epic experience.
https://epicpew.com/42-pint-sized-reasons-catholic-beer-fan-go-south-dakota/
Keep checking the page for 2017 dates.
Now grab a friend, go out and find a conference, and stay Catholic!